Social Security Disability - What Are Compassionate Allowances - AARP: What Are Compassionate Allowances?
165 severe medical conditions will fast-track a disability application
by: Stan Hinden | from: AARP Bulletin | September 6, 2012
Basically, an application is sped up if the person has any of the diseases and conditions that are on a compassionate-allowances list that Social Security maintains. Now numbering 165, these include various forms of cancer, brain injury, heart disease, and immune system and neurological disorders.
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The special processing saves the applicant from waiting months or even years to obtain benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.
An Alzheimer's hearing included testimony from not only medical experts but also family members who recounted the difficulties they faced when their breadwinners developed Alzheimer's disease in their early 50s and were unable to work.
Although the disease generally afflicts older people, the Alzheimer's Association estimates that about 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have the disease. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease and related dementia's were added to the list in 2010. "Now, individuals who are dealing with the enormous challenges of Alzheimer's won't also have to endure the financial and emotional toll of a long disability decision process," commented Alzheimer's Association Chief Executive Harry Johns.
