For individuals suffering from severe medical conditions, navigating the complexities of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can feel like a nearly impossible undertaking. When all of one’s energy is being channeled into either getting well or staying as well as possible, navigating the SSDI application process can feel like an insurmountable challenge.
Thankfully, some applicants have near-automatic SSDI eligibility. Understanding the criteria and the expedited processes in place for these circumstances can significantly impact how someone who is particularly ill or injured approaches their SSDI application for the better.
Compassionate Allowances
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that certain medical conditions are inherently severe enough to meet disability standards. This recognition has led to the establishment of the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program, which is designed to streamline the applications of applicants whose conditions clearly qualify for benefits.
Quick Disability Determinations
The SSA also uses advanced predictive modeling to identify applicants who are highly likely to be approved for disability benefits based on the severity of their medical condition and the weight of their evidence. This system, known as Quick Disability Determinations (QDD), can expedite the review process for cases where an outcome is predicted to be a clear approval. The QDD process focuses on cases with robust supporting medical evidence and minimal likelihood of denial.
Conditions that typically qualify
While the SSA does not have a straightforward “automatic” approval for most conditions, the agency’s Blue Book, lists numerous conditions that can lead to a straightforward disability determination if specific criteria are met. This list includes but is not limited to various musculoskeletal problems, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory illnesses, neurological disorders, mental disorders, immune system disorders and various syndromes.
With all of this said, it’s important to remember that most people do not qualify for expedited review or approval of their SSDI applications. As such, it’s generally wise to seek personalized guidance when applying, so that it benefits from the strongest possible chance of being approved.