For people who are blind or have low vision, Social Security disability benefits can provide an important financial safety net when a disability makes it difficult or impossible to work.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced that it has added 14 conditions to its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list, allowing people with certain severe medical conditions to receive faster processing of their disability benefit applications.
This is important news for anyone considering an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
What Is the Compassionate Allowances List?
The Compassionate Allowances program is designed to quickly identify medical conditions that clearly meet Social Security’s standards for disability benefits.
When an applicant has a condition on the CAL list, Social Security can fast-track the application instead of putting it through the standard disability determination process. SSA says the program is intended to reduce waiting time for people with the most serious disabilities.
The program applies to both SSDI and SSI disability claims.
14 New Conditions Added to the List
Social Security added the following 14 conditions:
- 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 (MMPSI)
- OPHN1 Syndrome
- Primary Cardiac Sarcoma
- Primary Intracranial Malignant Melanoma
- Uveal Melanoma – with Metastases
- Warburg Micro Syndrome
With these additions, the CAL list now contains 314 conditions.
Use the Exact Name of Your Condition When You Apply
If you have a medical condition that appears on the Compassionate Allowances list, it is important to know the exact name of the condition as Social Security lists it.
Providing accurate information about your diagnosis and medical records can help Social Security identify a potential CAL claim.
SSA says it uses technology to flag applications involving potential CAL conditions. In some cases, the agency can also obtain medical records electronically, which can help speed up processing.
The complete list of Compassionate Allowances conditions is available from the Social Security Administration.
Faster Does Not Mean Immediate
A Compassionate Allowance can significantly speed up the disability determination process, but applicants should not assume that benefits will begin immediately.
The standard disability application process can still take time, and applicants may need to provide medical information and other documentation.
That’s why having an emergency fund is so important.
If you are considering applying for disability benefits, it is wise to maintain a fully funded emergency fund whenever possible so that you have resources to cover essential expenses while waiting for a decision.
Why This Matters to People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Many people who are blind or have low vision receive Social Security disability benefits at some point in their lives.
For some, benefits provide support after a vision change makes working more difficult. For others, SSDI or SSI may provide an important financial bridge while they pursue employment, self-employment, rehabilitation, or other opportunities.
At Penny Forward, we believe that employment and self-employment are important ways to build wealth and financial security.
At the same time, a comprehensive financial plan should account for the possibility that circumstances can change.
Understanding SSDI, SSI, and other disability-related programs can help you make better decisions about your finances before and during a period of disability.
Build Your Emergency Fund Before You Need It
One of the most important lessons from the disability application process is that even programs designed to provide faster assistance may not provide money immediately.
An emergency fund can give you breathing room while you navigate an unexpected change in your ability to work.
Ideally, your emergency savings should be enough to cover your essential expenses while you wait for other sources of income or benefits to become available.
Building that fund while you are working can make a significant difference if you ever need it.
Learn About Your Options Before You Need Them
You don’t have to wait until a crisis happens to learn how Social Security disability benefits work.
Understanding the difference between SSDI and SSI, knowing how the application process works, and familiarizing yourself with resources such as the Compassionate Allowances list can all be valuable parts of a comprehensive financial plan.
If you or someone you care about may qualify for disability benefits, visit the Social Security Administration’s disability benefits page to learn more and begin the application process.
At Penny Forward, we believe that financial independence starts with knowledge.
The more you understand about your income, benefits, savings, and options, the better prepared you can be for whatever the future brings.
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