Social Security Disability (SSD) does not have a reputation for moving applicants through the claims process quickly, and it is a well-earned reputation at that. Many applicants suffering from disabilities that prevent them from working spend over a year trying to apply for benefits and appeal denials, putting them through incredible financial and psychological stress.
The most frustrating thing about the endless waiting is that applicants have spent years working and paying into a system that they assumed would help them as soon as they required it, but with systemic backlog that only continues to build, the waiting line has gotten increasingly long.
Improving SSD Delays for Those Who Need it Most
Sadly, many of the conditions that have disabled these individuals are very serious, or even life-threatening. The longer these men and women wait to receive benefits, the more serious their condition may become. Their file is treated with no more urgency than an application of an individual with a less pressing condition—fortunately, however, the Social Security Administration introduced two methods for moving urgent or easily-diagnosed conditions through the system more efficiently.
The first method, known as Quick Disability Determinations (QDD), is a computerized method of screening applications to find claims that have sufficient medical evidence and supporting documentation and a high chance of being approved to receive benefits. These cases are treated with a higher priority, and move through the system much more quickly than an incomplete claim.
Compassionate Allowances (CAL) is the second method used to expedite applications through the SSD system. This method is used for individuals with specific conditions on the CAL list, which includes several types of cancer and severe disorders. Often, disability claims based on these conditions require less supporting evidence than conditions not included on the CAL list.
While these two methods have greatly improved the wait times for individuals suffering from disabling conditions, the application process for disability is still a lengthy process that requires skill to navigate successfully—and applicants seeking to speed up the process may still face rejection. By hiring an experienced New Jersey Social Security Disability attorney early in your application or appeal process, you can help ensure that your case is as strong as possible.
If you are suffering from a serious condition and think that your SSD application may qualify for QDD or CAL, speak with my firm today to discuss your options moving forward with your claim.
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