Applicants wait an average of seven months for their initial disability claims to finish processing. Some people are able to wait out this time with relative ease, but for others who have no other sources of income, seven months is way too long.
If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be able to speed up your claim if you meet certain criteria. Below are specific situations where an expedited claim may be possible.
Presumptive disability or blindness
You may be able to receive SSI benefits immediately if you have a presumptive disability or presumptive blindness. The goal is to provide quick financial assistance to those with severe conditions or blindness while processing their claims.
Conditions that fall under this program include but are not limited to:
- Leg amputation at the hip
- Assertion of total blindness or deafness
- Assertion of stroke
- Assertion of cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or muscular atrophy
- Assertion of Down syndrome
If you receive presumptive disability or blindness payments but later get a denial for your SSI application, you do not have to pay back the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Conditions that automatically qualify for faster processing
The SSA flags applications eligible for the Compassionate Allowances and Quick Disability Determinations programs, which are designed to quickly identify cases where the condition clearly meets the SSA’s definition of a disability.
Typically, qualifying conditions are:
- Certain cancers
- Adult brain disorders
- Rare genetic disorders
- Other severe conditions
Digital systems automatically flag these applications, but you may want to make a note about your qualifying condition on your application.
Dire financial need
A disability or illness can make it impossible to earn a living, and this can result in extreme financial distress. The SSA may fast-track your claim as a Dire Need Case if you do not have enough money for food, clothing, medicine, shelter and other needs.
You can express the urgency of your situation by calling the SSA or writing a dire need letter. If you are in the appeals process, it is also possible to request a faster hearing because of dire need.
Certain circumstances cannot wait for the average processing time for disability claims. If you need your benefits as soon as possible, consulting a lawyer specializing in SSDI can help.