Medical problems that keep you from working at your job can create a distressing situation; not only are you suffering from your physical condition, but your financial situation is dire. The process of filing for Social Security Disability can be long and frustrating, but if your medical condition qualifies, you may be able to reduce the processing time and receive benefits much faster. For an overview of three Social Security Administration programs that can help get you your monthly payments faster, read on.
The Compassionate Allowance List
For those with serious illnesses that appear on the Social Security Administration's list for compassionate allowances, the wait time for processing is reduced considerably. These illnesses include several different types of cancer, Parkinson's Disease and others. The volume of proof normally required to prove your medical condition, which is predominantly your medical records, is reduced as well. You can speed up the processing even more with a complete set of medical records, however. It should be noted that the usual 5 month waiting period for benefits to begin is not waived for this (or any) type of application.
The Quick Disability Determination (QDD) Program
This program uses a computer algorithm to scan and flag applications for certain conditions that have been shown in the past to have been successfully approved. The application is checked for key components and assigned points based on the likelihood of approval for similar cases. This allows for faster approval and processing for certain patterns and conditions, since the claims may be approved without having to be reviewed by a medical consultant.
The Terminal Illnesses Program (TERI)
The disease itself and the probability of it leading to death are factors that lead to a claim being processed in the TERI program. Those with end-of-life needs, such as hospice care, and those with certain terminal illnesses, such as Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), will qualify for this quick approval program.
Points to Consider
You must still be prepared to offer medical proof to qualify for these programs, so ensure that your records are complete and accurate with the correct diagnosis codes. When applying, it's not necessary to actually indicate that a particular condition is terminal, as the SSA screening process will automatically identify those conditions. It's also important to note that the word "terminal" will never appear on your application or other paperwork from the SSA.
Consult with a social security attorney like those at Ball & Ferrari for more information about these programs and for help getting a fast approval for your claim.
Share26 January 2016
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