1. What Is Expedited SSDI Processing?

Expedited processing refers to SSA prioritizing your disability claim due to urgent circumstances, such as:

• Compassionate Allowances (CAL): Fast-tracking claims with medical conditions that clearly meet disability standards
• Terminal Illness (TERI) cases: For applicants with a condition expected to result in death
• Dire Need: Severe financial hardship risking your health or safety
• Military Service Casualty Cases: Veterans disabled during active duty on or after October 1, 2001

2. Types of Expedited Processing Programs

a. Compassionate Allowances (CAL)

SSA maintains a list of conditions that qualify for CAL, such as:

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• Certain aggressive cancers (e.g. pancreatic, esophageal, liver)
• Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
• Rare genetic or neurological disorders

CAL claims are flagged automatically when SSA identifies the diagnosis in your medical records, leading to approval within weeks in many cases.

b. Terminal Illness (TERI)

If your condition is terminal, SSA’s TERI program prioritizes your claim. Conditions may include:

• Stage IV cancers with metastases
• Waiting for a heart, lung, liver, or bone marrow transplant
• End-stage ALS or other progressive, fatal illnesses

c. Dire Need

If you face imminent loss of food, housing, or medical care, you can request expedited processing due to dire need. This typically applies when you are:

• Facing eviction or foreclosure
• Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
• Unable to afford critical medications or treatments necessary to survive

d. Military Casualty Cases

Disabled veterans may qualify for expedited processing if their disability occurred during active duty service, regardless of where the injury happened.

3. How to Request Expedited SSDI Processing in North Carolina

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Identify if your situation meets one of SSA’s expedited categories:

• Do you have a CAL-listed condition?
• Is your condition terminal?
• Are you experiencing dire financial or medical need?
• Are you a veteran injured during active duty service?

Step 2: Notify SSA of Your Circumstances

When applying:

• Clearly state on your application if you believe you qualify for expedited processing.
• For terminal illness, your doctor should provide a statement confirming your prognosis, diagnosis, and expected outcomes.
• For dire need, submit supporting documents, such as:
• Eviction notices
• Utility shut-off notices
• Letters from shelters or medical providers explaining your risk without immediate benefits

Step 3: Follow Up with SSA

After submitting your application:

• Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm they have flagged your claim for expedited processing.
• Contact your local SSA office or disability representative for further assistance.
• If your claim is at the hearing level, you or your representative should submit a written request for expedited processing to the hearing office, explaining your urgent circumstances.

4. How Long Does Expedited SSDI Processing Take?

If approved for expedited handling:

• CAL or TERI claims can be processed and approved within weeks, rather than months.
• Dire need cases depend on local office backlogs but are generally prioritized over standard claims.
• Military expedited claims are often processed within 30-60 days, depending on documentation.

5. Tips for a Successful Expedited Request

• Provide strong documentation: Include medical records confirming your diagnosis and severity, along with proof of financial hardship if claiming dire need.
• Be proactive: Follow up regularly with SSA or your representative to ensure your request is processed efficiently.
• Consult professionals: An experienced disability attorney can prepare your request strategically, ensuring no details are missed.