Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin recently announced that the Social Security Administration's list of compassionate allowances has been updated to include 25 additional conditions. The "compassionate allowances list" is an initiative within the SSA that identifies the most serious conditions which warrant an expedited review by the Agency.
The compassionate allowances program fast-tracks applications that clearly meet Social Security's requirements for disability benefits. There are no special forms to be used when requesting a compassionate allowance. Those who believe that their application meets one of the illnesses on the list must call their Social Security Field Office and make an informal request. For a current list of conditions click here.
One of the most significant additions to the list, is the addition of stage 4 prostate cancer. Congressman Elijah (D-MD) praised the measure stating: “I am extremely pleased that the SSA has included Prostate Cancer in its Compassionate Allowance list—a decision that will save lives, and give more patients access to treatment options.”
