
Caregiver Tip: Help Your Loved One Get Social Security Disability Benefits Quickly if Facing a Fatal Illness
How to Get Your Benefit through Compassionate Allowance
How to apply
There’s no special application or form to apply for compassionate care benefits. One must simply fill out an application for Social Security Disability Insurance. Then, the SSA will automatically expedite the applications of those with a listed condition. Applications for disability may be filed online, in the local field office, or by calling this toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213.How long does it take to get benefits?
Individuals with compassionate care conditions may receive a decision on their claim in a matter of weeks. The quickest approvals are made for pancreatic cancer, acute leukemia and ALS. The timing can vary depending on several factors, but primarily on how quickly medical evidence is received from a doctor or other medical source; whether a medical examination is necessary in order to obtain evidence to support the claim; and if the claim is randomly selected for quality assurance review of the decision. If your or your loved one’s illness is not on the list, SSA will determine if its severity is equal to those designated conditions to qualify for quick approval.What factors does SSA take in determining your eligibility?
Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered. If it does not, SSA will find that you are not disabled.What does my doctor have to do?
It’s likely there will be more than one doctor involved, so each physician must fill out the form explaining your condition and why you are eligible. X-rays, MRIs and other lab tests must be filed with the application.Is there discrimination against people with terminal illnesses?
To the contrary, this program is designed to help people with severe illnesses quickly get the benefit.Can I still work and claim a compassionate care allowance?
You can earn only up to $1,130 a month while remaining eligible.Will I be getting a bigger check if I qualify for Compassionate Care Allowance, compared to going through the normal SSDI application process?
No. Being diagnosed with a compassionate care condition does not give you a bigger benefit. You will receive the same monthly amount you would be eligible for under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs. Your application will simply be fast-tracked for approval.More insights like this:
-
End-of-Life Caregiver Support: Five Tips for Prioritizing the Caregiver
Read more: End-of-Life Caregiver Support: Five Tips for Prioritizing the CaregiverDuring end-of-life palliative care and hospice care, it’s typical for much of the focus to be on your loved one. However, anxiety, guilt, anger, and burnout are very common experiences for all caregivers. It’s important that coping with these emotions is made a focus as well, so that your well-being and the care…
-
End-of-Life Decisions: The Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care
Read more: End-of-Life Decisions: The Difference Between Hospice and Palliative CareIt’s never easy to consider hospice or palliative care for a loved one, and it’s common for caregivers to experience stress and grief during this immensely challenging time. “When a loved one receives a serious diagnosis and members of the care team mention palliative or hospice care, it can be alarming, overwhelming and…
-
The Caregiver’s Role in Creating An Effective End-of-Life Care Plan
Read more: The Caregiver’s Role in Creating An Effective End-of-Life Care PlanEnd-of-life planning is a part of an estate plan that caregivers are often in the position to help establish for their loved ones. It formalizes the wishes of the person you care for, documenting their desires for what they’d like to happen at the end of their life. In short, an end-of-life care…