The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that it is adding twelve new conditions to the list of Compassionate Allowances. This will allow people with these specific disabilities to more easily obtain Social Security disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This, in turn, will help them to cover their expenses while they are dealing with the effects of their medical conditions.
What is the Compassionate Allowances List?
The Compassionate Allowances list is a list of severe medical conditions that clearly meet the statutory definition of disability, without the need for additional examination or screening. Typically, these conditions are incredibly severe, and either have a low chance of recovery or are potentially fatal. Some other conditions on the list include things like certain types of cancer, neurological disorders, congenital disorders, and certain rare disorders that primarily affect children.
Why Are Compassionate Allowances Important?
Normally, in order to obtain SSDI or SSI benefits, you need to first demonstrate that you have a medical condition that is sufficiently disabling that you cannot work or perform daily tasks. In addition to submitting medical evidence, this also typically means going to a medical examiner at Disability Determination Services (DDS) to be independently evaluated. People who have a condition on the Compassionate Allowances list can skip much of this process, letting them get access to benefits faster and more easily.
What Conditions Got Added to the List?
The SSA added twelve new conditions to the Compassionate Allowances list. These include:
- Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma
- Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm
- Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Disease
- Microvillus Inclusion Disease – Child
- Mowat-Wilson Syndrome
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Excess Blasts
- NUT Carcinoma
- Pfeiffer Syndrome – Types II and III
- Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia
- Posterior Cortical Atrophy
- Renal Amyloidosis – AL Type
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
What Should You Do if You Have One of These Conditions?
If you have one of these listed conditions, or any of the other conditions found on the Compassionate Allowances list, you should seriously consider applying for SSDI or SSI benefits. This will allow you to help pay the bills while you are dealing with the effects of your severe medical condition. It can also potentially help you to access other benefits to alleviate your financial burdens. A lawyer with experience handling SSDI and SSI claims can help you to apply, and help you to address any legal concerns that may arise. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work for you.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
