Expedited Disability Claims

In some circumstances, applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be expedited. The four main categories for accelerated payments are: Dire Need, Military Injury, Terminal Illnesses, and Compassionate Allowance

Dire Need

In the event an SSDI applicant is unable to afford the most basic necessities an exception on the basis of dire need may be possible. This would encompass an inability to pay for food, medical care, or utilities, or housing and shelter.

Active Military Duty

If a member of the military became disabled while on active duty (beginning October 1, 2001) the SSA will expedite their decision making process for a disability claim. Even if the injury is not directly related to military service, the SSA will still expedite the decision as long as the onset of the disability occurred while a service member is on active duty.

Terminal Illnesses

In the event of certain terminal illnesses, the SSA will grant an expedited determination. This applies to AIDS, ALS, certain cancers, or if a person is in hospice or in a coma for more than 30 days.

Compassionate Allowance

If a condition, which can in same cases be terminal, is severe but not terminal it the time of application, it still may qualify for an expedited determination from the SSA. This would be considered a Compassionate Allowance.

Disability Lawyer

If you think that you may qualify for SSDI and your condition is serious, contact a disability lawyer to see if you would possibly qualify for an expedited determination. First-time applications or more likely than not to be turned down, but if you have a serious condition, you may not want lose any time in getting your benefits approved. A qualified disability attorney can advise on whether you might be eligible for an expedited determination and can also fight for your benefits.