EXPEDITED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS

Do I qualify to have my claim expedited?

There are several circumstances under which Social Security may review your claim on an expedited basis:

1)            Terminal Illness: If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, the Social Security Administration will expedite the review of your claim. Examples of conditions are: metastatic cancer, an individual awaiting a heart, lung or liver transplant, an individual who has been comatose for more than 30 days, or an individual receiving hospice care.

2)            100 Percent Permanent and Total Initiative: Your claim will be expedited if you are a Veteran and have a Veterans Affairs compensation rating of 100 percent, permanent and total.

3)            Dire Need: Most commonly, a dire need is classified as a lack of food, clothing, shelter or medical care. A report of financial hardship will not be sufficient. Examples of documentation you would need to provide to Social Security to claim dire circumstances are: documentation of imminent foreclosure from your lender, immediate eviction notification from your landlord, a letter from a homeless shelter, or a letter from your utility company that your water, electricity or gas services have been discontinued.

4)            Suicidal/Homicidal: If you have evidence verifying that you are suicidal or homicidal, the Social Security Administration will expedite your claim. Evidence of suicidal or homicidal ideations may come from any source, including: physicians, family or friends, or law enforcement.

5)            Compassionate Allowance: There are certain medical conditions according to Social Security which are so serious that the applicant will most likely be determined to be disabled. If you have medical documentation of one of these conditions, your claim will be expedited. The list includes many conditions: Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), certain cancers, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, acute leukemia, as well as many others. To view the complete list, see http://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm.

6)            Congressional Interest: An additional way to attempt to expedite your claim is through a congressional inquiry. Congressional representatives routinely intervene on the behalf of individuals who have experienced a tremendously long wait. For consideration, you would need to contact your local congressional office and ask to speak with a representative in regard to help with a federal agency.

Need help filing for disability benefits in South Carolina? Lowery Law Group is here to help. Contact us today for your free phone evaluation.