News
Social Security announces "Compassionate Allowances," fast-tracking disability applications for 50 rare diseases
Washington, DC—Peter Saltonstall, president of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), today called the Social Security Administration’s new Compassionate Allowances initiative “an outstanding achievement” that will greatly benefit people with certain rare diseases.
The initiative announced today will fast-track applications for Social Security disability for applicants with any of 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers whose medical conditions are very severe. Currently, many people with rare diseases experience devastating delays when they apply for Social Security assistance because those making the decisions are not familiar with their diseases.
Alpha-1 is not among the first diseases to be fast-tracked. The Alpha-1 Foundation, a NORD member, is working with NORD and the Social Security Administration in the hope of achieving this goal.
“It has taken Social Security less than a year to develop this much-needed program that will benefit those whose claims merit expedited consideration based on the nature of their disease,” Saltonstall said. “Disability backlogs cause a hardship for patients and their families. Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue and his staff deserve our thanks for a job well done.”
At the same time, he added, “This program is just a start. There are 6,000 to 7,000 known rare diseases, many of which could qualify for compassionate allowance. NORD is committed to working with SSA to bring many more rare diseases under this program.”
