Social Security Ends Waiting Period for ALS Patients to Get SSDI Benefits

The Social Security Administration recently eliminated the five-month waiting period for disability insurance benefits claims for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with a notice of award date of July 23, 2020, or later.

According to Allsup, the nation’s premier disability representation company®, this ruling is extremely positive and goes a long way to help people with ALS receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits more quickly.

Before President Biden signed a new amendment to the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019 into law in late March, this five-month waiting period had been waived for disability claims filed on or after Dec. 23, 2020. Now the July date applies. Also, disability beneficiaries with ALS are not required to meet the 24-month Medicare waiting period.

A motor neuron disorder that progressively attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles, ALS meets the criteria for the compassionate allowances program (CAL). Those suffering from severe and debilitating conditions like ALS or others without known cures are eligible for faster SSDI benefit decisions through the CAL program.

Even with this update to the waiting period, it’s vital to turn to a disability expert like Allsup to help navigate the complex SSDI eligibility and application process.

Learn more at FileSSDI.Allsup.com.