Social Security disability benefits provide aid to those who are unable to work because of a disability. To qualify for benefits you must submit a claim to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA’s Listings of Impairments, or “Blue Book,” outlines the various medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits.
However, even if you’re diagnosed with one of the disabling conditions listed in the Blue Book, it doesn’t automatically qualify you for Social Security benefits. Your application still needs to provide medical evidence that you’ve lost the ability to work because of your disability. Check the Blue Book to learn what symptoms you must exhibit for each specific disability in order to qualify for benefits.
What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability?
Unfortunately, there are no conditions that automatically qualify you for disability. Even individuals who suffer from debilitating or life threatening disorders must submit their claims for review and approval. However, Presumptive Disability and the Compassionate Allowances program were both designed to accelerate the process for those in most need.
Presumptive Disability
Presumptive Disability (PD) and Presumptive Blindness (PB) payments can begin as soon as you submit a claim for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can receive PD or PB payments for as long as six months while waiting for a ruling on your application. Individuals filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are not eligible for PD or PB payments.
To qualify for PD or PB payments you must have a one of a few specific disabilities. These include total blindness in both eyes, total deafness in both ears, and amputation of a leg at the hip. Even if your disability claim is ultimately rejected, you will not be expected to return PD or PB payments.
Compassionate Allowances
In 2008, the SSA began the Compassionate Allowances program. The typical application process for Social Security disability benefits takes months or even years to provide aid to disabled individuals. But those who suffer from one of the 200+ Compassionate Allowances Conditions can receive approval in a matter of weeks.
As you might expect, only very serious disabilities qualify as Compassionate Allowances Conditions. Most, if not all, of these conditions are life threatening. Given how long it can take to qualify for disability benefits, many individuals pass away before receiving any benefits. The Compassionate Allowances program was designed to solve that problem.
Applications for both SSI and SSDI can qualify for the Compassionate Allowances program. We already covered the difference between SSDI and SSI in a previous blog post. But to summarize, SSI is a needs based program available only to those with limited assets and SSDI requires individuals to have “paid into” the program via their taxes. So, regardless of your existing assets, you can still qualify for Compassionate Allowances.
We Can Help
Barnard Law Firm is one of the leading Social Security Disability Law Firms in Tulsa. We’ve helped countless clients complete and file disability claims. So we know exactly what it takes to file a successful claim and will do all we can to get you the help you deserve as quickly as possible. Call us today at (918) 376-3896 to schedule a free consultation.
