What is Presumptive Disability and How Do I Apply for It?

Applying for Social Security disability benefits often turns into a long, highly frustrating process that ends up in a claim coming back denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

After years of hearing complaints from Americans that file for disability benefits, the SSA started two fast-track claim approval programs called Compassionate Allowance and Presumptive Disability. The underlying principle of the Presumptive Disability program is that the SSA presumes an applicant lives with a disability that prevents the applicant from working.

How to Apply for Presumptive Disability

You apply for presumptive disability benefits just like you file a standard disability form, except for presumptive disability benefits, you file your claim at the nearest SSA office. The SSA operates offices throughout the United States, which means finding one close to your home should be easy to do.

For some medical conditions, a representative working at an SSA field office might be able to make a presumptive disability determination if you provide the SSA representative with a document signed by a healthcare professional who verifies your claim.

In most cases, the SSA processes presumptive disability benefits claim by referring the claim to the Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS represents the SSA division that decides on the validity of presumptive disability claims.

The advantage of getting approved for a presumptive disability claim at an SSA field office is that you receive benefits much faster than if you file a claim by mail. The presumption that you live with a disability means you receive payments for six months. After six months, the payments stop until DDS decides whether you should qualify for financial assistance.

What Conditions Qualify for Presumptive Disability?

The SSA grants DDS the power to make immediate presumptive disability decisions. However, you must meet the criteria established by the SSA to receive payments that last up to six months or until DDS issues a decision on your claim.

You must live with one of the serious disabilities listed by the SSA to qualify applicants for presumptive disability benefits. DDS requests a document signed by your physician that validates your claim for presumptive disability benefits. However, you also should submit medical evidence, such as the results of diagnostic tests and a detailed description of rehabilitation sessions.

Medical conditions such as an amputation of a limb or sustaining a life-threatening spinal cord injury get quick approval for presumptive disability benefits. Living with a terminal illness that carries a prognosis of six months to live automatically qualifies you for financial assistance until DDS issues a decision concerning your disability claim.

An applicant who is totally blind and/or deaf should receive immediate financial assistance as well. Other medical conditions that qualify for presumptive disability must develop severe symptoms that pose a tremendous burden on the quality of your life. Examples of symptom-dependent medical conditions include cancer, kidney disease, and cerebral palsy.

Get Help with your Presumptive Disability Claim

Working with the Keener Law Firm can help you build a strong enough claim to receive presumptive disability benefits. Our team of experts will make sure you submit persuasive evidence and file your claim before the deadline.

Although some types of medical conditions qualify applicants for fast-track approval for Social Security disability benefits, many other types of medical conditions require the development of severe symptoms.

Call us today at 770-955-3000 to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation to learn more about the presumptive disability program.