Social Security benefits support Americans unable to work due to disability. However, everyone’s situation is unique. The needs vary among individuals. While some have the means to wait months for their claim to be processed, not everyone has that luxury.
That’s where the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative comes in.
Understanding what the program is
The CAL initiative is a beacon of hope for individuals with certain severe medical conditions. These conditions include:
- Specific cancers that can’t be operated on or have spread far
- Brain disorders in adults
- Rare disorders that affect children
The program identifies claims from people with these conditions and gives them priority. Typically, getting Social Security disability benefits takes 3-5 months. This timeframe only applies if everything is in order. However, the situation could be different if there are inaccuracies. For those who need to update their personal information or have issues with the medical paperwork, it can take longer.
But for those with severe disabilities, the CAL can fast-track the process by helping workers with verification. It cuts down the waiting time for a disability determination, which offers relief to those with the most severe disabilities.
Workers must have a qualifying condition
Before a worker can qualify for CAL, the SSA needs to check how severe their condition is. They use the same standards for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSA also has a list of certain conditions. If people have these conditions, they might be eligible for compassionate allowances.
Access to assistance
The process of applying for benefits can be stressful, especially when dealing with a severe condition. Fortunately, there are resources like the CAL initiative to help simplify the journey. If workers need assistance with their claims, they should seek a legal professional. They can provide guidance and help workers understand their eligibility for initiatives like the CAL.
