Social Security Disability benefits can be a lifesaver to Georgia residents. In order to qualify for this program, people need to have worked for a length of time. They also need to have a disability that’s recognized by the Social Security Administration. There is a waiting period to receive benefits. But in some cases, it’s possible to expedite a claim.
Compassionate allowances and SSDI
The Social Security Administration maintains a list of over 200 conditions that make someone’s claim eligible for quicker processing. Mostly, these are cancers, brain disorders, or diseases that affect small children. For people who are applying for SSD, it’s worth checking the current list to see if your condition is listed. It can take less than a month for the SSA to approve a claim for a condition on the Compassionate Allowances list.
The idea behind the Compassionate Allowances list is to help the people who are the most gravely ill and clearly disabled as soon as possible. Examples of conditions on this list include acute leukemia and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. For the individuals struggling with these conditions, and their families, the CA list can be a lifesaver.
If your condition is not listed under Compassionate Allowances, you will face a long waiting period. The Social Security Disability program won’t pay out until five months after the date they determined your disability started. This waiting period can be a real challenge for disabled people and their families.
People who are disabled and facing a waiting period of any length should explore the possibility of utilizing other benefits programs. They may be eligible for programs including unemployment, SNAP, or state disability programs. It’s important to explore these possibilities early, to minimize the financial impact of a disability on your family.