New requirements for applying for Social Security disability benefits – Everything has changed
According to Lagradaonline, If you qualify for disability benefits, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest changes to eligibility requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently announced updates to its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program, which is designed to expedite disability claims for individuals with severe medical conditions. As of Monday, the SSA introduced changes that include two revised conditions and nine new ones added to the CAL program.
New and Revised CAL Conditions
The updated list now addresses the following conditions:
- Neonatal Marfan Syndrome
- PACS1 Syndrome
- Renal Medullary Carcinoma
- Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome
- Costello Syndrome
- Adult Heart Transplant Wait List – Status Levels 1-4
- Child Heart Transplant Wait List – Status Levels 1A/1B (revised existing condition)
- Histiocytic Malignancies
- Histiocytosis Syndromes (revised existing condition)
The Compassionate Allowances program is designed to quickly identify cases where an applicant’s condition clearly meets the SSA’s criteria for disability. Given the severity of these conditions, many claims are approved based on medical evidence alone, expediting the process for those who qualify.
Also Read: Social Security Confirms A New Check Increase In 2024 – Here’s Exactly When
Streamlining the Application Process
SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley emphasized that the goal of these changes is to reduce the wait time for disability claims decisions. “I am firmly determined to reduce the amount of time people wait to receive a decision on their disability claim, and we are making progress,” O’Malley stated. The Compassionate Allowances program now covers more than 280 conditions and has approved over one million claims to date.
Technology Enhancements for Faster Processing
To improve accuracy and efficiency, the SSA is leveraging advanced technology tools. The use of electronic records and health IT helps the SSA quickly identify and process CAL conditions. This streamlined approach allows for faster review and decision-making, significantly benefiting applicants in urgent need of financial assistance.
Disability Benefits and Taxation
For those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits, it’s important to understand the tax implications. While Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are not taxable, Social Security benefits like retirement, survivor, and SSDI may be taxed. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) indicates that up to 85% of these benefits can be taxable if the beneficiary’s income exceeds certain thresholds. For individual filers, this threshold is $25,000, and for joint filers, it is $32,000. Married couples filing separately may face additional tax liabilities.
