What Conditions Automatically Qualify for Disability?
Automatic Qualifying Medical Conditions for SSA Disability Benefits
The application process to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) is notoriously slow, confusing, and complicated, but some medical conditions automatically qualify for disability. “Automatically” is a bit subjective, since certain circumstances can prevent a person with these Compassionate Allowances (CAL) conditions from being approved for disability benefits. In addition, the expedited process still takes a minimum of about a month, on average.
Compassionate Allowances (CAL) Conditions
The Compassionate Allowances or CAL program identifies applicants whose condition or disease clearly meets the statutory disability standards. Cutting-edge technology is incorporated to easily identify these applicants for the purpose of making rapid decisions. The SSA provides this online page where the name of a medical condition can be submitted for consideration. The following are among the many health conditions already listed in the CAL program:
- Acute leukemia
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
- Breast cancer – with distant metastases or inoperable or unresectable
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
- Pancreatic cancer
- Small cell lung cancer
- Stage IV breast cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
Among the automatically approved disabilities are five types of transplants, those being: Cochlear transplant, heart transplant, kidney transplant, liver transplant, and lung transplant. At the end of three years following a lung transplant, the SSA will review the case to determine whether the individual is still disabled, according to SSA guidelines. For the other four types of transplants shown, the same type of evaluation is done after one year.
Requirements to Qualify for the CAL Program
Medical Evidence
Supporting medical records must show proof of diagnosis for any of the Compassionate Allowances conditions or diseases. A claim related to any of the health problems listed for automatic approval will be denied if hard medical evidence is not provided. Oftentimes, crucial supporting facts needed to classify an individual as medically eligible for disability benefits are omitted by a physician. A denial notice explains the reason such a claim is denied. The applicant can then provide the needed details for further consideration of the claim.
Financial Considerations
Financial considerations do not apply to applicants whose proven condition qualifies them for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, the financial situation of individuals applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is considered, even if an individual has evidence of having a condition that automatically qualifies for disability benefits. If the applicant has substantial gainful activity (SGA) that exceeds SGA limits, his or her claim will be denied. The reason is that the SSA draws the conclusion that the applicant is capable of continuing to work and earn sufficient income.
Benefits of Consulting with a Disability Advisor
A great deal of financial support is potentially on the line when you go through the process of applying for disability benefits through the SSA. Research shows that approval odds increase significantly, if you have assistance from an experienced disability advisor as you maneuver the application process. Contact The Disability Champions at 407-601-3681 today for a free case evaluation, whether or not your condition is listed in the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program.