Amid recent discussions about how inflation will impact Social Security benefits, new changes are coming to the agency’s disability benefits program.
The Social Security Administration announced Tuesday it added 14 rare medical conditions to its compassionate allowances list, which can speed up disability benefit claims for people with severe medical conditions.
Nearly 8 million individuals receive Social Security disability benefits, according to a July report from the administration.
Article continues below this ad
What is the Social Security Administration’s compassionate allowances list?
The compassionate allowances initiative is a fast-track program aimed to reduce waiting time for individuals with more serious disabilities who are applying for disability benefits.
However, having a medical condition on the list does not necessarily mean individuals automatically qualify, as applicants generally still need to meet the Social Security Administration’s requirements for work history.
Adding the new conditions brings the compassion allowances list to 314, according to the agency. Since the program began in 2008, more than 1.2 million people with severe disabilities have been approved through the process, according to a news release from the administration
Article continues below this ad
“The Compassionate Allowances initiative cuts through red tape and allows us to deliver support to individuals who experience life-changing diagnoses and need help fast,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano in the news release
The newly added conditions include:
- Adenylosuccinate Lyase Deficiency, Neonatal Form and Type 1
- Aicardi Syndrome
- Baraitser-Winter Syndrome
- Beare-Stevenson Cutis Gyrata Syndrome
- Bohring-Opitz Syndrome
- CASK-Related Gene Disorders
- Hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma
- Lafora Disease
- Malignant Migrating Partial Seizures of Infancy
- OPHN1 Syndrome
- Primary Cardiac Sarcoma
- Primary Intracranial Malignant Melanoma
- Uveal Melanoma, with Metastases
- Warburg Micro Syndrome
Who qualifies for Social Security disability benefits?
The Social Security Administration has two primary disability benefit methods, including Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
Article continues below this ad
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, an individual generally must have a medical condition that stops or limits their ability to work for 12 months or longer, or will result in death.
Additionally, individuals need to have worked for at least five of the last 10 years. However, this can vary by age and situation, as younger people may qualify without certain work history requirements.
No benefits are payable for partial or short-term disabilities, according to the Social Security Administration
Individuals without a work history may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, which is a needs-based program providing monthly benefits to people with limited income and rebility.
More information about qualifying for disability benefits can be found on the administration’s website at ssa.gov/disability.
Article continues below this ad
Related: Why SSI recipients will get their August payment early
Will Social Security payments increase next year?
Millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits could see higher payments next year, as the agency determines how inflation will impact current payment amounts.
Under federal law, benefits increase when the cost of living rises, according to the Social Security Administration. Since 2020, annual cost-of-living adjustments have ranged from 1.3% to 8.7%, with the latter, which occurred in 2023, being the largest adjustment in recent years.
The 2027 cost-of-living adjustment will be announced sometime this fall, according to the administration
Article continues below this ad
Related: How inflation could affect 2027 Social Security payments
How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
Individuals can apply for disability benefits on the administration’s website at ssa.gov/apply or by calling 800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment
