article Social Security Administration Programs for Expediting Disability Claims and Payments

The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative quickly identifies and processes claims for applicants with diseases and other medical conditions that, by definition, clearly meet SSA’s definition of disability. There are over 275 CAL conditions that primarily include certain cancers and brain disorders. CAL conditions are identified based on information gathered from the public, advocacy groups, medical and scientific experts, and others. Individuals can suggest that conditions be added to the CAL list via the SSA website. There is no special application or form to complete – SSA will expedite the disability claims of those who qualify. The qualifying condition should be clearly listed on the Disability Report and in the Remarks of all application forms.  

Terminal Illness

Terminal illness cases (TERI) are those in which the applicant has an untreatable condition that is expected to imminently end in death. There is no special form to complete for a case to be expedited under the TERI program. An SSA claims specialist or DDS claims examiner can identify a TERI case when the applicant’s illness is terminal, they are receiving hospice care, or have been diagnosed with ALS (i.e., Lou Gehrig’s Disease) or AIDS.

Military Service Personnel

Veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating from the Veterans Administration (VA) receive expedited processing of their applications. While these applications are prioritized, it does not guarantee approval for SSI/SSDI. To receive expedited processing, Veterans should identify themselves as a “Veteran rated 100% P&T” when initiating the SSI/SSDI application and should provide the VA rating notification letter to SSA

Veterans who received disabling mental or physical health injuries while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001, are eligible for expedited SSI/SSDI application processing through the Wounded Warriors initiative. The injury does not need to have occurred during combat operations. When initiating the SSI/SSDI application, to receive the special processing, Veterans should inform SSA that their injury occurred while on active duty.

If there is evidence that an applicant is suicidal or homicidal, SSA will expedite the claim. Evidence of suicidal or homicidal ideations may come from any source, including the applicant, treating physicians, collateral sources, SSA employees, or law enforcement officials. If it is determined that an applicant is a threat to either themselves or others, SSA will contact the appropriate authorities and provide referral services for local physicians, community service centers, suicide prevention programs, or other appropriate medical facilities

If a disability benefit appellant has a pending hearing with an Administrative Law Judge and does not have the resources to get food, medical care, or shelter, the claim may be expedited as a “dire need” case. You can submit a "dire need" letter to SSA that explains why waiting the typical amount of time for a hearing might have dire consequences for the applicant. The applicant does not need to provide specific evidence to support the allegation of dire need. However, if SSA discovers evidence that contradicts the claim, it may require that proof be provided. Some examples of evidence that may be helpful in a dire need case include:

Let the SSA know when the applicant applies or appeals if they cannot meet their basic needs. If their situation worsens after the application is submitted, you can notify your SSA local field office of the situation. If the applicant’s circumstances improve, the SSA may remove the dire need designation on their disability claim.

SSA may be able to make an advance payment to new applicants who face a financial emergency (i.e., need money right away for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care) and are due SSI benefits that are delayed or not received (e.g., due to processing or mail delays). However, SSA can only make one advance payment. The maximum emergency advance payment an applicant may receive is the smallest of

SSA will subtract the emergency advance payment from either the payments that are due to the applicant or from current monthly benefits in up to 6 monthly installments.

SSA may be able to make an immediate payment to SSI applicants or current beneficiaries whose benefits are delayed or not received and who face a financial emergency (i.e., need money right away for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care). The immediate payment cannot be higher than $999.00. SSA will subtract the immediate payment from the individual’s first regular payment due.

Direct Payment While a Representative Payee is Pending

If SSA determines that a beneficiary needs help managing their money, they may require the applicant to identify a Representative Payee. If the applicant cannot identify a suitable Representative Payee on their own, SSA will work to assign a reputable organization to serve as the applicant’s payee. SSA will directly pay the beneficiary while working to identify a Representative Payee.

Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits (EXR)

If benefits are terminated because of excess earned income or a combination of earned and unearned income, former beneficiaries can request to have their benefits started again without completing a new application. SSA calls this process “expedited reinstatement.” Individuals can apply for expedited reinstatement of benefits if their impairment(s) is the same or related to their original impairment and their income falls below substantial gainful activity within 5 years of the month their benefits stopped.