Social Security Benefits ŒFast-tracked‚ for Certain Applicants

United Spinal Association has long advocated for the Social Security Administration to speed up the processing of Social Security disability applications; it is not uncommon for applicants to wait for years before receiving a determination.  Now, one portion of United Spinal’s membership may find some relief  - those Social Security disability applicants with Lou Gehrig’s Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Under a recent decision by Social Security Administrator Michael Astrue, Social Security disability applicants with ALS will be entitled to “fast-track” review under SSA’s new “compassionate allowances” program.

The “compassionate allowances” program provides for a speedy review of Social Security disability applications for applicants with certain medical conditions that are so severe that applicants will obviously meet Social Security’s disability standards.  In announcing the initial list of conditions, Administrator Michael Astrue stated, “This initiative will allow us to make decisions on these cases in a matter of days, rather than months or years.”

Paul Tobin, President and CEO of United Spinal Association, stated, “We have long recognized the devastating effects of ALS and the financial strain that ALS places upon both the individual and his or her family.  A quick review by SSA will means that people with ALS will have faster access to Social Security disability benefits as well as access to health care (Medicare or Medicaid) benefits.”

Tobin added, “United Spinal Association will continue to work with the new Congress and Administration to reduce the tragic waiting period for all Social Security disability applicants as well as to end the statutory 24-month waiting period for Medicare health coverage.”

For a complete list of conditions entitled to compassionate allowances, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm  Social Security plans to add other conditions to this list in the future.