This week brought significant news for those relying on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced major updates to its eligibility criteria. On Monday, the SSA revealed that it is expanding the Compassionate Allowance (CAL) program, a move aimed at speeding up the disability claim process for individuals with severe conditions.
This expansion includes nine new medical conditions and updates to two existing conditions, which will be covered under the CAL program. These changes are designed to provide quicker approval for those most in need.
Compassionate Allowance
The Compassionate Allowance program allows the SSA to quickly identify and approve disability claims for individuals with serious medical conditions. These claims are often approved based solely on medical documentation due to the severity of the conditions. With the latest update, the SSA has added the following conditions to the list:
- Adult Heart Transplant Wait List: Status Levels 1-4
- Bainbridge-Roper Syndrome
- Child Heart Transplant Wait List: Status Level 1A/1B (updated condition)
- Costello Syndrome
- Histiocytic Malignancies
- Histiocytosis Syndromes
- Neonatal Marfan Syndrome
- Plasmablastic Lymphoma
- PACS1 Syndrome
- Renal-Medullary Cancer
- Snijder’s Blok-Campeau Syndrome
These additions bring the total number of conditions covered by the Compassionate Allowance program to 287, ensuring that more individuals with severe disabilities receive the benefits they need without unnecessary delays.
Why This Matters
For those suffering from these newly recognized conditions, the Compassionate Allowance program can significantly reduce the time it takes to receive a decision on a disability claim. The program’s streamlined process allows for quicker approval based on medical documentation, bypassing the lengthy standard review process. This is particularly crucial for individuals whose conditions make it difficult or impossible to work, providing them with much-needed financial support more quickly.
Processing
The SSA has been leveraging modern technology to further streamline the disability adjudication process. Through the use of health information technology, the SSA can receive, review, and make decisions on claims with greater speed and efficiency. Electronic medical records play a crucial role in this process, allowing for quicker transmission and evaluation of a claimant’s medical history.
As of July, around 7.2 million Americans were receiving disability benefits, with the SSA paying out approximately $11 million in total benefits each month. The average SSDI payout is about $1,500 per month, making these benefits a critical source of income for many.
Eligibility
In addition to the expansion of the Compassionate Allowance program, the SSA is addressing the need to update the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). The DOT is used to evaluate a claimant’s ability to adjust to new work environments based on their age, education, and work history. The SSA is planning to revise the list of occupations used in the qualification process, which could have a significant impact on how disability claims are assessed.
The DOT currently includes 114 occupations that have limited job opportunities across various U.S. Census divisions, meaning that there’s no “not disabled” outcome for these roles. Federal courts have questioned the inclusion of 13 of these occupations, prompting the SSA to reconsider the criteria for determining whether a disability claimant can engage in alternative employment. The goal is to ensure that only relevant and attainable job opportunities are considered when evaluating a claimant’s ability to work, which may lead to more accurate and fair decisions.
What This Means
For those currently receiving SSDI or applying for benefits, these changes mean that the application process could become more efficient, with quicker decisions for those with severe medical conditions. The updates to the DOT may also result in more fair evaluations of an applicant’s ability to work, potentially expanding eligibility for some individuals.
These changes highlight the SSA’s commitment to improving the disability claims process, reducing wait times, and ensuring that benefits reach those who need them most. If you or someone you know is applying for SSDI, it’s essential to stay informed about these updates to understand how they may impact your benefits.
FAQs
What are Compassionate Allowances?
They are a way to fast-track SSDI claims for severe medical conditions.
What conditions were added to the Compassionate Allowance list?
Nine new conditions were added, including PACS1 Syndrome and Renal-Medullary Cancer.
How does the SSA use technology to process claims?
The SSA uses electronic medical records to speed up the review and decision process.
What is the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT)?
It’s a list of occupations used to assess a disability claimant’s ability to work.
How much is the average SSDI payment?
The average SSDI payment is about $1,500 per month.
