Social Security Increase in Initial Approvals

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Dory Sutker

Social Security - INCREASE IN INITIAL APPROVALS

Lately, I have received more than the usual paltry amount of quick approvals at the lower levels and wondered why. I found my answer in a January 29, 2009 press release issued by SSA and informing us that SSA’s computer modeling program has increased the number of applicants receiving expedited approvals for social security disability benefits. Two processes are in place: the Quick Disability Determination (QDD) and Compassionate Allowances. According to SSA, the Administration is now expediting approximately 4% of all disability cases; an increase from the 2.7% of cases fast-tracked in 2007. This translates to an increase of 100,00-125,000 persons being approved in about 10 days instead of waiting three to four months or longer.

How do these programs work? Well, under QDD, a computer program analyzes certain data to identify cases where there is a high probability that the claimant is disabled and where SSA can quickly obtain evidence to document the allegations. Under the Compassionate Allowance program, SSA accelerates the processing of claims for claimant with medical conditions so severe that their conditions, by definition, meet SSA’s criteria for disability.

Are these programs perfect? No, unfortunately not. Just a few days ago, I got a telephone call from a woman on dialysis stating that she has been waiting over six months for her decision at the initial stage. Since this is a case of presumptive disability, one wonders why her claim is taking so long, especially in light of these new programs.

The expansion of the QDD and Compassionate Allowances programs is welcomed but, in my opinion, it is way overdue. Nonetheless, as the old saying goes, “better late than never”. Let us hope that SSA will continue to tweak the programs so that they can be expanded to encompass a greater percentage of cases.

 

To learn more about social security disability issues, please read our social security FAQ page.  To learn more about our social security disability lawyers, please read about Dory Sutker, or Suja Varghese, or contact Greenberg and Bederman.
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