SSD Waiting Period Waived for Those with ALS.

Generally, if your application for Social Security Disability (SSD) is approved, you must wait five months after the onset date of your disability before you can receive your first SSD benefit payment.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will pay your first benefit the sixth full month after the date they found your disability began. However, there is no waiting period if your disability results from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you were approved for benefits on or after July 23, 2020.

This is due to the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019.

On average, 1,000 people with ALS apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits every year.

ALS is also part of the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance list.

The Compassionate Allowances program was created to ensure individuals with severe disabilities are granted a decision on their case within days rather than the standard time.  When someone applies for disability benefits, the typical time frame for an application to be awarded or denied is several months.

Although the Compassionate Allowances program speeds up the application review time, some of the allowances still require the five-moth waiting rule before a payment is issued.

According to the ALS Association, ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

Although there is no cure for ALS, scientists have made significant progress in treatment programs and the overall understanding of ALS.

The association is hopeful even more treatment plans will come in time.

Getting Help with Disability Benefits.

You should apply for Social Security disability benefits as soon as possible. If you become disabled and will be unable to work or your disability is life threatening, do not hesitate to apply. The process for receiving these monthly payments and benefits can take a long time. It is important that you begin the application process early so that you can begin receiving benefits as soon as possible.

Most people believe there is a requirement that you must be off work for at least six months to one year before you can apply for or collect Social Security Disability benefits. This is false. You can apply for disability as soon as you feel you are disabled and cannot work. However, your disabilities must prevent you from working at least one year (or have an illness that is likely to result in your death) to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI.)

If you are considering applying for either SSD or SSI benefits, do not delay.  Contact an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney to find out how. Call the Social Security Disability attorneys at Berger and Green at 412-661-1400 for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your claim.

Source: SSA.gov, “When Your Benefits Start.”