In previous posts, we have discussed that one of the most frustrating challenges of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is the time it takes to actually get approved for benefits. There is the complicated application that must be filed. Because the majority of applications are initially denied, people then need to file an appeal and wait for a decision on that before they learn whether they will receive financial support or not.
However, there are many people who suffer from such severe conditions that they do not have the time to wait weeks or even months for an application to weave its way through this process, especially when it is all but assured that it will be approved. That is why the U.S. Social Security Administration has the Compassionate Allowances list. The conditions on this list qualify an applicant to have their application fast-tracked through the system. One condition on this list that may be affecting people in Atlanta is prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer can be a devastating illness, especially if it is recurrent or has spread to other areas of the body. Patients can require ongoing therapies, aggressive medical treatments and frequent hospital visits to monitor and treat this illness, which can dramatically impact their daily lives and priorities.
That is why people with prostate cancer generally qualify for SSDI benefits when they are unable to work. Because of the seriousness of this condition, it has recently been included on the list of Compassionate Allowances. People who are diagnosed with prostate cancer and apply for SSDI are more likely to wait a matter of days for a decision to be made as opposed to the weeks or months it takes an average application to process.
Alleviating some of the stress and anxiety of applying for financial support during such a trying time can be more helpful than people may realize. Instead of worrying about how to pay for medical bills or expenses, people can stay focused on their care and getting better.
Source: The Houston Chronicle, “Prostate cancer added to disability benefits fast-track list,” Cindy George, April 21, 2014
