Certain severe medical conditions are given priority in Social Security Disability cases. Our Winter Garden SSDI lawyer explains.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) began the Compassionate Allowance Program (CAL) in 2012 as a unique initiative to expedite disability claims processing for individuals with severe medical conditions. While a typical Social Security Disability claim can take up to a year to be processed, a CAL claim can be processed in as little as a few weeks.  If you or a loved one may be eligible for the Compassionate Allowance Program, read on to become familiar with some of the details provided by our Winter Garden SSDI lawyer.

Types Of Illnesses Covered By CAL

The Compassionate Allowance Program recognizes medical conditions such as terminal cancers and severe genetic disorders. Other diagnoses considered for this program include:
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Non-small lung cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
  • And others

Medical Evidence Needed For Compassionate Allowances

The evidence required for a disability claim includes the following:
  • Supporting reports from your physician confirming your diagnosis.
  • Results from physical examinations conducted by medical professionals.
  • Findings from mental and cognitive testing (if applicable).
  • Imaging reports, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
  • Bloodwork results that may reveal relevant medical information.
  • Biopsy results, if applicable and relevant to the disability claim.
  • Surgical notes documenting any relevant procedures or surgeries.
  • Details about previous treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, that were attempted but failed to manage the condition effectively.
This evidence supports the disability claim by providing comprehensive medical information. Gathering and presenting these records is essential to showing how the condition significantly affects the individual’s ability to work and perform daily activities.

Issues With Quick Approval

When a CAL claim is submitted and quickly approved, the individual and their family may begin receiving benefits in a few weeks while the application is still being processed.  This quick approval can result in a claim ultimately being denied even though benefits have already been paid out. In these cases, the individual is not required to pay back the benefits already received. 

Medicare Benefits Are Not Expedited

While monthly benefits from CAL may begin early, benefits from Medicare do not. Medicare benefits awarded to CAL recipients typically start 24 months after the first monthly disability check.  While waiting for Medicare benefits to begin, it is wise to investigate other insurance options if the CAL monthly benefits are not enough to cover medical and other financial expenses.

Retroactive PaymentsWinter Garden SSDI lawyer

When the SSA determines that an individual is eligible for Compassionate Allowance Program benefits, it will investigate the time between the onset of the illness or disability and the time the claim was filed. The SSA will subtract the five-month waiting period and then may pay benefits for the months between when the disability or illness started and when the application was approved. These retroactive payments are designed to cover any delays in the application process and give financial assistance for that time.

Why You Need A Winter Garden SSDI Lawyer

If you or a family member has a severe disability or illness that makes working impossible, you may be eligible for the Compassionate Allowance Program. We can discuss eligibility requirements and determine your next steps. Culbertson, Jacobs & LaBoda, PLLC is a highly experienced and respected law firm specializing in Social Security Disability law. With over 45 years of experience, our firm has established itself as a leading authority in this field. We take pride in having two out of the ten attorneys in Florida certified specialists in Social Security Disability law, showcasing our dedication and exceptional knowledge in serving our clients.  We will work hard to get you the benefits you are entitled to. Contact us if you have any questions and to schedule a free case evaluation.