Understanding Expedited SSDI Processing

Normally, SSDI applications go through several review stages, including initial evaluation, medical evidence review, and sometimes appeals. For applicants facing life-threatening or urgent medical conditions, the SSA may speed up the process to avoid unnecessary delays.

Expedited processing does not change the eligibility requirements — you still need to prove that your condition prevents you from working — but it allows your application to move through the system much faster than usual.

Expedited SSDI Programs for Severe Illness

The SSA offers several ways to fast-track disability claims for people with serious health conditions. Michigan applicants may qualify under one or more of these special categories:

1. Compassionate Allowances (CAL)

The Compassionate Allowances program helps people with specific medical conditions receive a decision in a matter of weeks rather than months.

This program includes more than 200 conditions that the SSA recognizes as severe enough to automatically meet disability criteria. Examples include:

• Certain advanced cancers (such as pancreatic, liver, or lung cancer)
• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
• End-stage renal disease
• Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
• Organ transplants

If your medical condition matches one on the Compassionate Allowances list, your claim will be automatically identified for expedited review.

2. Terminal Illness (TERI) Cases

If your condition is considered terminal, meaning it is expected to result in death, your application can be processed under the TERI program.

TERI cases receive the highest priority, and SSA employees are trained to identify them quickly. You or your doctor can alert the SSA that your claim should be treated as a TERI case to ensure it’s handled immediately.

3. Quick Disability Determinations (QDD)

The Quick Disability Determination (QDD) process uses computer analysis to identify applications that are highly likely to be approved based on medical evidence already provided.

If the system flags your case for QDD, it will be assigned to a specialized examiner for faster decision-making — often within just a few weeks.

How to Request Expedited Review in Michigan

If you believe your condition qualifies for faster processing, you can take specific steps to help ensure your case is reviewed quickly:

1. Clearly describe your condition when completing your SSDI application and provide specific medical documentation.
2. Include supporting medical evidence, such as hospital records, test results, or doctor statements confirming the severity of your illness.
3. Ask your doctor to submit detailed notes indicating the urgency or terminal nature of your condition.
4. Inform the SSA that your case may meet criteria for Compassionate Allowances or TERI processing when you apply or contact your local SSA office.

In Michigan, you can submit applications online through the SSA website or visit a local Social Security office if you prefer in-person assistance.

How Fast Can Expedited SSDI Claims Be Approved

For applicants who qualify for expedited processing, a decision may come in a few weeks instead of the typical three to six months.

• Compassionate Allowance claims are often approved within 10 to 30 days.
• TERI cases may be processed even faster.
• QDD cases typically take several weeks depending on how complete the medical documentation is.

Providing clear and thorough medical evidence upfront is the best way to ensure your claim moves quickly through the expedited review process.