This April, the Social Security Administration announced 52 new Compassionate Allowances. Compassionate Allowances are those conditions that invariably qualify for Social Security disability benefits, allowing for expedited decision-making in granting benefits. An array of neurological disorders, cancers and rare diseases were added to the list this spring. The news is very welcoming to those with these conditions who are still standing in line with the hope of garnering disability benefits.

Those in need of disability benefits and their families often struggle through appeal after appeal as they attempt to secure disability benefits through the national disability insurance program. Weeding through the administrative rules can be daunting. Though the list will not take effect until August, the announcement provides some certainty to what remains an exponentially uncertain process for others.

Fortunately, the Social Security Administration has indicated that even more Compassionate Allowances may be on the way. The agency regularly listens to the medical community, disability organizations and research from the National Institute of Health in determining what conditions merit inclusion.

Though the list of Compassionate Allowances may not be as complete as it should be, the disability insurance program still has procedures for securing benefits. The process for obtaining these benefits may simply be less certain.

Experienced Washington, D.C., metro area attorneys, however, can help lessen that uncertainty.

Individuals unable to work are encouraged to review the 165 conditions that comprise the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances. Whether or not a condition is on the list, they may be entitled to benefits.

Source: Richmond County Daily Journal, "Social Security Column: New compassionate allowances," Brenda Brown, June 6, 2012