Social Security provides a useful and much-needed way to gain some financial compensation if you are unable to work at your job. These monthly payments are not meant to completely replace your salary, but every little bit helps when you can't work because of a medical condition. In most cases, applicants can expect to wait months and months for an approval and the start of benefits, but there are a few special Social Security programs that help cut the wait time by quite a bit. Read on to learn more about these programs that target specific populations.

The Terminal Illnesses Program (TERI)

The name of this program is somewhat off-putting, but rest assured that all documentation and notices referring to it will not contain the word "terminal" and the benefits for those that qualify helps some to overlook the moniker. As you might imagine, this program allows those with certain terminal medical conditions to speed through the approval process and gain important hospice (end of life) services far sooner than otherwise. When the application is submitted, the name of the medical condition will trigger the TERI designation; there's no need to let the Social Security Administration (SSA) know that the disease is terminal.

The Compassionate Allowance List

This program allows applicants to qualify for quicker processing without the usual amount of paperwork. Instead, the doctor treating you submits certain documents showing that you have certain disorders, which appear on the compassionate allowance list. There are many different serious diseases on this list, such as many different forms of cancer and Parkinson's disease. You can help matters go even faster if you can provide as much info from your doctor as possible to prove your medical condition.

The Quick Disability Determination (QDD) Program

Here, the SSA relies on their own database of previous cases to more quickly flag certain applicants for quicker determination. For example, if you have a certain type of brain tumor and past cases have shown a high record of being approved for benefits, your case will be pushed forward quicker. In most cases with the QDD program, there is no requirement for a medical examination, just the usual medical records from your doctor.

What to Keep in Mind

These programs are appropriate for certain illnesses and allow cases to be processed faster, but that does not mean that the rules about applying are waived. You still must have a qualifying condition and must show that you are under medical treatment.

If you have been turned down for benefits, speak to a Social Security attorney like Scott E. Shaffman Attorney At Law right away for help with your appeal.

 

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