When you are suffering from a serious illness and unable to work at your job, time is of the utmost importance. Financial issues can pile up fast when you have no paycheck coming in, which will only add to your general suffering. The good news is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has put in place 3 programs to assist people suffering from certain medical conditions with a faster claim approval process. Read on to learn more about the Compassionate Allowance List, the Quick Disability Determination Program and the Terminal Illness Program.

1. The Compassionate Allowance List

Some illnesses require less proof, and thus can result in faster processing. If your serious illness appears on the SSA list your wait time could be a lot less than normal, as long as you have a doctor's statement verifying your condition. Illnesses like Parkinson's Disease, some types of cancer and more appear on this list. Having a complete set of medical records is important and could mean an even faster processing time. There is the usual 5 month waiting period before you can begin receiving benefits.

2. The Quick Disability Determination (QDD) Program

This SSA program uses a computer algorithm to determine your need for benefits, based on medical conditions that have a past history of approval. Using the SSA's considerable database of medical conditions, certain conditions are scanned and flagged for certain keywords that result in quicker processing, sometimes without the usual medical consultant review.

3. The Terminal Illnesses Program (TERI)

The TERI program flags all terminal illness for faster processing, and the benefits focus on end of life care and support, such as hospice care. The medical conditions included all show a high probability of ultimately resulting in death in a given time period. There is no need to mention that the illness is terminal, the SSA automatically assigns certain illnesses to this program based on their own standards. Though the program name itself contains the word "terminal," the communications from the SSA will never use the word in letters or paperwork that is view-able by the claimant or loved ones.

Point to Keep in Mind

All Social Security Disability Insurance cases require proof of your medical conditions, no matter how obvious or serious they seem to be to you. You must be receiving regular care for your condition and have the records to prove it. It's especially vital that your medical records contain the correct condition names and diagnostic codes, so discuss this issue with your doctor when you let them know that you are applying for SSDI.

If you need help with your SSDI application or appeal, contact a Social Security attorney or disability lawyer right away.

Share