Time is critical for anyone needing to claim Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, getting a speedy resolution is even more critical for some applicants than others.
If you face a life-threatening disease, all the money in the world won’t do you any good if you never live to see it. The uncertainty of not knowing whether financial help is coming can also add to stress for you and your family during a difficult time. A fast-track option is therefore available for some applicants. Note that fast-tracking will not result in immediate payment, but having the peace of mind that the money is coming can be a big help.
You don’t need to apply for fast-tracking
The Social Security Administration is programmed to pick up on those eligible for fast-tracking under the current rules. As of October 2024, that meant those who claim to have one of 287 conditions listed as eligible for Compassionate Allowance.
You still need to fill out your application as well as possible. You should not rush this, as submitting it with errors or without sufficient evidence to back up your claim could lead to delays that outweigh any advantage fast-tracking could bring you.
The Compassionate Allowances list can change over time and you may want help to understand whether your disability could qualify, and if appropriate how best to show that it does. Note that computer programs are not infallible, so you might also need help to check what is happening if you feel you should have been fast-tracked but have not.