The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced it will be adding 12 new medical conditions to its “Compassionate Allowances” list. These conditions are severe medical conditions that are often permanently disabling, if not life-threatening. By adding these conditions to this list, it will make it significantly easier for people with certain severe disabilities to be able to access Social Security disability benefits.
What Are Compassionate Allowances?
In simple terms, the compassionate allowances list is a list of disabilities that receive special consideration when people suffering from those diseases apply for Social Security disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These disabilities are typically chronic conditions that are either incurable and unlikely to improve, or which are sufficiently disabling on their own that a mere diagnosis is considered enough to qualify for disability benefits. In some cases, these conditions are congenital, meaning that a person is disabled from birth and will be disabled for life.
Why is it Important That They Were Added to the Compassionate Allowances List?
Under normal circumstances, people must prove the severity of their disability to demonstrate they are eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits. However, those that have a disability on the compassionate allowances list are considered, by default, to be sufficiently disabled that they do not need to prove their disability. This allows them to get access to their benefits more quickly, avoiding many of the bureaucratic hurdles that other applicants may face.
What Conditions Were Added to the Compassionate Allowances List?
The following disabilities were added to the compassionate allowances list:
- 1p36 Deletion Syndrome
- Anaplastic Ependymoma
- Calciphylaxis
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- FOXG1 Syndrome
- Leber Congenital Amaurosis
- Metastatic Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
- Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration
- Pineoblastoma – Childhood
- Primary Omental Cancer
- Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Lung – Stages II-IV
- Trisomy 9
What Should You Do if You Have One of These Conditions?
If you or someone you love has one of these medical conditions, you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits. However, to give yourself the best chances of getting the benefits you deserve, you should contact a lawyer with experience handling Social Security disability claims. They can help you through the process, and advocate on your behalf in the event of a dispute.
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.
