Have a Serious Illness? You May Qualify for Fast Track Social Security

posted on Feb 12 by Stacy in the Disability News category

Beginning March 1, the Social Security Administration will begin implementing their new Social Security Fast-Track Program. This special program will be available to those under the age of 65 who are unable to work. Initially there were 50 diseases specified for which a person could apply and receive disability. That list has now been expanded to include 38 more diseases, included on that list is Alzheimer’s.

Harry Johns, president and chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Association, applauded the expansion of Compassionate Allowances. “Because of the time it’s historically taken to get any of these benefits, these folks are facing Alzheimer’s and facing all these other [financial and insurance] issues,” Mr. Johns said.

Taking up to 440 days to complete, the original paper work was a five step application. “If you have a devastating disease, that’s an awfully long wait,” said Social Security Administrator Michael Astrue. “We’re focusing on making a decision for people who are clearly entitled to benefits.” The new program called “Compassionate Allowances” will speed up the paper work. The Social Security Administration is hoping to fast track 6 to 9% of all disability applicants, which reflect an increase from last years 3.9%.
Michael Astrue is hoping to further expand the number of conditions under Compassionate Allowance to include cardiac conditions, and autoimmune diseases.