The Social Security Administration was created to help protect Americans and to provide financial relief when they reach the age of retirement or when they suffer a disability that prevents them from working. The Social Security Disability Insurance program takes payments that were made through payroll tax contributions to help workers who suffer from a debilitating illness, injury or mental condition that prohibits them from maintaining gainful employment. The victim must also prove that the condition is expected to last at least a year or end in death.
The SSA has a list of accepted illnesses, injuries and mental conditions that a victim may refer to in order to determine whether they could be eligible for benefits, although even if a condition is not on the list it does not mean that they are not eligible. Any condition that meets the criteria could be accepted. The SSA also knows that some conditions are more serious than others.
For anyone suffering from a serious or catastrophic mental condition, illness or injury, time may be of the essence and waiting for the lengthy Social Security Disability application process to run its course may be too late. The Social Security Administration offers a compassionate allowance, which can help expedite the process.
If you are suffering from a serious condition, such as brain cancer, that is considered inoperable and will inevitably end in death, it is important to apply as soon as possible. The process can seem overwhelming, especially as the applicant fights to survive. But, these financial benefits can be essential.
Source: Minn Post, “As Trump tries to cut disability benefits, a different way to think about people who receive them,” Michael Bischoff, May 26, 2017
