Epoch HealthSocial Security Adds 9 Health Conditions That Qualify for Expedited Benefits

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) has expanded its Compassionate Allowances program, adding nine new health conditions that qualify for expedited disability benefits. This expansion, announced by Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley on August 12, 2024, brings the total number of covered conditions to 287. The program aims to accelerate the disability application process for individuals with severe medical conditions, potentially reducing wait times for benefit decisions.

Key Points:

• The SSA added nine new conditions to the Compassionate Allowances list, including rare genetic disorders like Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome, Neonatal Marfan Syndrome, and Costello Syndrome, as well as more common conditions such as Adult Heart Transplant Wait List – Status Levels 1-4.
• Two existing conditions on the list were revised: Child Heart Transplant Wait List – Status Levels 1A/1B and Histiocytosis Syndromes.
• The Compassionate Allowances program now covers 287 conditions, up from 50 when it launched in 2008.
• Conditions are added based on recommendations from medical and scientific experts, and the public can suggest additions.
• More than 1 million people with eligible conditions have received benefits through this expedited process since its inception.
• Many claims are approved based solely on medical confirmation of the diagnosis due to the severe nature of the conditions.
• The SSA is utilizing electronic medical records to identify potential Compassionate Allowance cases and expedite decisions.

“I am steadfastly committed to reducing the amount of time people wait to receive a decision on their disability claim, and we are making progress.”
– Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley

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