The U.S. Social Security Administration has made a critical decision that involves the Compassionate Allowance Listing. The list helps to efficiently identify diseases and medical conditions that meet the standards for disability benefits. Simply put, the program focuses on extreme illness and circumstances that meet requirements.
On the list are multiple types of cancer, adult brain disorders, and certain afflictions that affect children. The objective is to lessen the waiting time to reach a determination for Social Security Disability benefits for those who are suffering the most by approving after diagnoses alone. In many cases, once designated, many of those afflicted can apply for immediate government-assisted health insurance.
A long-awaited designation
New to the list is pericardial mesothelioma as of August 16, 2021, joining pleural and peritoneal already in the Compassionate Allowances category. The additions will provide victims and their family members shorter and less burdensome processes to secure benefits.
Pericardial mesothelioma is rare, accounting for one percent – or approximately 300 – of all mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States. No specific signs exist, resulting in diagnoses after decades with a six-month prognosis or discoveries of the disease post-mortem during an autopsy.
Disability benefits the Compassionate Allowances program category go into effect upon confirmation of the diagnosis. To date, approximately 700,000 Americans received approval via this accelerated process.
New options exist for those suffering from mesothelioma and their loved ones. No amount of money can wind back the clock before being exposed to dangerous substances that resulted in the tragic diagnoses. However, securing much-needed financial support can provide some consolation for a family facing an uncertain future.