Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two programs that are meant to provide financial assistance to those who are disabled and can’t support themselves. Although these two programs are not the same and have different eligibility requirements, both of them are intended for people who aren’t able to work for at least 12 months or those who aren’t expected to recover from the condition.
Some individuals who are applying for these programs have conditions that automatically meet the requirements for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of a disability. The SSA has the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program, which is a list of more than 280 conditions that can be fast-tracked through the SSA’s application process for SSDI and SSI. Some conditions on the list include certain forms of cancer, heart transplant list placements and dementia-related conditions.
How does this program help applicants?
When an applicant applies for SSI or SSDI, they have to identify the condition that’s causing their disability. If the condition is one that’s on the CAL list, the electronic system automatically flags the application for expedited approval. This means the application can be approved faster, as long as the appropriate documentation is provided. This can mean that a person may be able to get approved in weeks instead of months.
The financial resources provided by SSDI or SSI can help the applicant to cover regular life expenses and provide them with some relief. Seeking experienced legal guidance may be beneficial since a comprehensive application is critical for individuals who need to get approval through the CAL program.