Ohio Social Security Disability And SSI Legal Blog

What may shorten the processing time for SSDI claims?

As an Ohio resident with a condition that keeps you from making a living, you may be looking for ways to help support yourself in the absence of an income. You may, depending on eligibility, be able to find relief through obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. However, the application process is often long, complicated and tedious.

According to AARP, you may be able to expedite the processing of your SSDI claim if you have certain severe conditions. Currently, there are hundreds of different illnesses, disorders and personal circumstances that may fast-track the approval of your SSDI application.

The Compassionate Allowances program

The Compassionate Allowances program outlines a list of conditions that warrant faster processing of SSDI claims. If you have one of the conditions that appear on the Compassionate Allowances list, you may receive a response to your application within a matter of days, rather than months.

Having a condition that appears on the list boosts your chances of having the U.S. Social Security Administration fast-track your claim. However, it does not guarantee it. Your precise diagnosis and the severity of your condition help determine how quickly the SSA processes your claim.

Fast-tracked claims

While having certain serious conditions may speed up the processing of your SSDI claim, you still have to wait to start receiving benefits. Even if you have the SSA fast-track your decision, you must wait at least five months from the day the SSA says your disability began before you may start receiving benefits.

If you have a serious condition that does not appear on the Compassionate Allowances list, you may ask the SSA to consider adding your condition to the database.