When medical issues stop people from working, financial hardship may soon follow. Bills continue to accrue even when people become incapable of working. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits help people dealing with medical issues. SSDI benefits can replace a portion of a worker’s lost wages so that they can pay their bills.
Professionals may qualify for SSDI benefits after a serious injury. Those diagnosed with disabling medical conditions may also be eligible for SSDI benefits. People who cannot work at all may be eligible for SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews every application thoroughly. Applicants have to show that they have a condition that is severe enough to qualify.
The effect of their medical challenges must be debilitating. The condition must persist for a year or longer. The worker also needs to have an adequate employment history. Unfortunately, even those who qualify may have to wait weeks or months to secure approval.
Do some applicants qualify for a faster turnaround time when seeking SSDI benefits?
There are expedited processing options
The SSA does theoretically recognize that some people cannot wait months for benefits. Those with progressive, deadly or debilitating conditions might be at elevated risk of financial hardship because they cannot work. In some cases, they could be at risk of dying before they ever get benefits.
The SSA uses two automated systems during the early review of applications to help expedite processing for those with the worst medical conditions. Compassionate allowances (CAL) can help those with severe or terminal conditions qualify more quickly.
Fast-track processing for quick disability determinations (QDD) is also available in some cases. Software can flag applications that are most likely to secure approval based on the severity of the applicant’s condition. This process helps those in the greatest need secure benefits more quickly than others.
Given that the expedited systems both rely on software prior to human analysis, the right wording can be crucial. Applicants also need to ensure that they have adequate medical evidence to validate their claims of serious medical challenges.
Assistance during the SSDI application process can make a major difference. Those who are familiar with the language used by the SSA can help craft applications that receive prompt review. The right language can increase an applicant’s chances of approval.