Social Security and Compassionate Allowances

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has finally become compassionate to those who are waiting unduly long periods to receive their rightful disability benefits. They have just announced their new ‘Compassionate Allowances’ program that will hopefully get the SSA in a position to process disability claims for those with severe illnesses much quicker.

The program, which is one element in a two-part initiative, will be working hand-in-hand with the Quick Disability Determination process. This may allow the SSA to make claim determinations on severe cancers and rare illnesses in only a few days, as opposed to months and sometimes years. The SSA has released an initial list of 50 impairments that will be receiving a quick decision, without long wait times, disablity hearings and disability appeals.

This educational article explains the initiative, speaks with Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue about this new process, and offers a link to the 50 impairments that will be covered under the ‘Compassionate Allowances’ program.

Social Security Announces Nationwide Launch of Compassionate Allowances


For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center