A previous post here discussed a classification in applying for disability benefits known as a “compassionate allowance.” This category of benefits allows people with certain illnesses or conditions to be eligible for expedited processing of their applications. There is, however, another way to expedite processing of a Social Security case, and that is through the Quick Disability Determinations system.
The QDD system uses a computer model to flag certain cases that are likely to be approved for people with certain serious disabilities so that those cases can be processed faster. To be considered for this process, however, a person’s application must be taken in full by an employee of the Social Security Administration or Ohio’s Disability Determination Services.
One way for this to happen, is for the worker handling the case to screen it with an eye toward QDD. This oftentimes means that the case worker is looking for a specific condition known as a “presumptive disability.” One way the workers do this is referring to a presumptive disability and presumptive blindness chart published by the SSA. This chart includes quite a few serious conditions, including total blindness and deafness, lack of ambulatory ability without a wheelchair or crutches caused by a long-standing condition, diseases such as Down Syndrome, ALS, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, amputations at the hip or illnesses that are expected to be terminal within six months.
It is important to note that there is no guarantee that applicants who have the above listed disabilities will automatically qualify for benefits, let alone QDD. Applicants still must present sufficient evidence to support their claims and go through the process. Anyone with questions as to qualifying for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits, may need to get more information about their own unique circumstances.