By Tai of Allsup
February 29 is the rarest day on the calendar, so it is fitting that millions of people around the world observe Rare Disease Day® on the last day of February.
Allsup is a Rare Disease Day partner, and we are privileged to help individuals with rare diseases navigate the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process if they cannot continue working.
In the United States, 7,000 rare diseases affect 30 million people, collectively making them not so rare after all.
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), individuals living with rare diseases often have trouble getting access to life-saving medical treatment or other services because their insurance, medical, elected and other officials may not be familiar with their diseases.
They may also have difficulty accessing their SSDI benefits for the same reason. Some rare diseases/disorders are included in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) compassionate allowance program, making them eligible for expedited review.
However, this does not guarantee approval. In addition, most rare diseases are not listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, which is what SSA adjudicators use to evaluate disability applications.
Expert SSDI representation helps applicants receive benefits more quickly and with less stress. More than half the people Allsup assists receive their benefits at the application level, which means they avoid appeals and the need for a disability hearing.
Alvin, Sheri and Patricia share their stories about living with a rare disorder and their challenges navigating the SSDI system on Allsup.com.
Rare Disease Day® harnesses the creativity and energy of the millions of people around the world with rare diseases—and the millions who care about and assist them—to raise awareness and generate action to fund research and find treatments and cures.
Find out how you can get involved by clicking here.