HEART TRANSPLANT WAITLIST BENEFITS
HOW TO WIN SSD BENEFITS ON THE ADULT HEART TRANSPLANT WAITLIST
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently expanded its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program to include those on the adult heart transplant waitlist who are classified under Status Levels 1 through 4. This update to the program recognizes the severe medical needs of heart transplant candidates. It aims to expedite their access to Social Security Disability benefits.
A heart transplant is a surgery that replaces a damaged heart with a healthy heart from a deceased donor. Transplant is considered when an individual has “end-stage” heart failure. This means that the condition has become so severe that all treatments, other than heart transplant, have failed.
Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of end stage heart failure. Other causes are hypertensive cardiovascular disease, valvular heart disease, Primary Myocardial Disease (PMD), and other issues like alcohol and certain medications.
ON THE HEART TRANSPLANT WAITLIST, THEN APPLY FOR BENEFITS
If you are on the adult heart transplant waitlist, then there are two types of benefits you can file for under the Social Security program: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In order to receive benefits, you must first file an application. You can do this on the Social Security’s website. Below, please find an explanation as to each type of benefit you can apply for if you have anxiety:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
SSDI benefits are for those who have worked in the recent past and can no longer work at any job due to a medical condition. The amount of money you will receive from SSDI benefits every month is based on how much Social Security tax you paid when working.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have earned enough “work credits.” A work credit is an amount of taxable income. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year. The amount of work credits you need to qualify depends on how old you are when you apply. In general, if you are over 50, then you need 40 credits to be eligible for SSDI benefits. However, 20 of those credits must be from the 10 years prior to becoming unable to work.
If you haven’t earned enough work credits for your age at the time you apply, then you will only qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
SSI is a needs based benefit. It is for those people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Even if you are on the heart transplant waitlist, if your income and assets are greater than a certain amount of money, then you cannot receive SSI benefits. The SSA counts the income of those in your house, not just your income. It also counts any additional assets, like a boat or a cabin.
If you have a spouse who earns more than $5000 a month, for example, then that income will be the factor in whether you can receive SSI benefits. You cannot qualify for SSI benefits, no matter how severe your heart disease, if you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI.
WHAT IS THE COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES PROGRAM?
The SSA maintains a list of serious medical conditions that qualify for faster processing. The conditions on that list are in the Compassionate Allowances program. If you have a medical condition on the list, then the SSA should award your benefits as quickly as possible. The reason for the list is to provide benefits for those who are the most ill.
Individuals who are on the adult heart transplant waitlist and who are Status Level 1-4 are now on the SSA’s special program list. The only issue with the list is that there are times the SSA does not acknowledge your medical condition is on the list. If you know your condition is on the list, then you need to tell the SSA. If you don’t tell them, then it is possible for them to miss that you qualify for the program.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS ON THE HEART TRANSPLANT WAITLIST
If you are on the heart transplant waitlist and your status is Level 1-4, then you need to apply for benefits today. You can file an application for benefits in multiple ways. For example, you can call the SSA and apply. You can also make an appointment with the SSA and go into their offices and apply in person. However, the easiest way to file an application is to do so on Social Security’s website.
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GATHER YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS:
The SSA will need all of your medical records. Of course, the medical records from your transplant team are the most important. Because those records confirm that you are on the heart transplant list. However, you will also need to collect the records from your primary care doctor. If you have mental health issues and you see a counselor, therapist, or doctor, then submit those records too. All of your medical records are important and apply to your disability claim.
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FILE YOUR APPLICATION:
It isn’t hard to fill out the SSA’s application. They only ask you questions that you already know. Like your birth date, your work history, and the names of your doctors. You can apply online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
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CONTACT THE SSA TO CONFIRM YOUR CASE IS MOVING:
It is important to stay in contact with the SSA so that you know they got your heart transplant records. You will also want to call them to make sure they are following the rules in your case.
THE HEART TRANSPLANT WAITLIST STATUS LEVELS
The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) classifies heart transplant waitlist candidates into status levels based on their medical urgency. Those in Status Levels 1-4 have severe heart failure and require advanced medical intervention. The status levels for individuals 18 years of age or older are:
STATUS 1:
The individual is critically ill and requires mechanical support from one of the following:
These individuals have the highest priority on the transplant list.
STATUS 2:
The individual is on mechanical support and is dependent on at least one of the following:
STATUS 3:
The individual is in the hospital and is receiving mechanical support from at least one of the following:
STATUS 4:
The individual has at least one of the following:
Because individuals in these categories are facing a condition that can result in death, the SSA’s program helps ensure they receive financial and medical support as soon as possible.
THE ADULT HEART TRANSPLANT WAITLIST RESULTS IN AUTOMATIC SSD AWARD
If you are an adult and on the heart transplant list, then once you submit your medical records, the SSA should grant your case.
The SSA puts your claim first if they know you are on the heart transplant list. Therefore, the wait time for a decision is shorter. One of the main pieces of medical evidence you must submit is the waitlist from the heart transplant center. This will document your status and place you on the fast track to benefits.
Even with faster processing, you must still meet SSA’s basic disability rules. This includes proving you cannot work due to your disability. However, being on the transplant waitlist at Status Level 1-4 strongly supports your case for disability benefits.
HIRE US TO HELP YOU WIN SSDI & SSI BENEFITS
Being on the adult heart transplant list means your time is spent caring for yourself. If you need help filing an application, then we can help. Also, many people who file applications are denied after they apply. If this happens to you, then you need a lawyer. Because being on the adult heart transplant should be an automatic award of SSD benefits.
Only 20-30 percent of initial SSD applications result in an award. Therefore, the majority of people who apply for SSD benefits need to appeal. The remaining 70 to 80 percent of people must go through the appeals process to win benefits. The appeals process includes three steps. First, there is the initial application. If you lose, you can request a second review. Finally, the third step is to request a hearing. Find out what happens at the hearing.
You should not go to a hearing without an attorney. At the hearing, the judge will call witnesses to testify. For example, the judge may call a vocational expert (VE) or a medical expert (ME). The ME is there to testify about your medical records. Likewise, the VE will testify about your past work. Also, the VE will testify about your ability to do other jobs in the economy. A heart transplant waitlist case should not have to go to a hearing.
WE OFFER A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR SSD BENEFITS
As you can see, SSDI and SSI benefits are complex. If you are on the heart transplant waitlist, then you need the Social Security benefits the SSA owes you.
Our SSD law firm believes you should hire us because we have the experience to obtain all of your past due benefits. Therefore, we offer a free review of your case. But, what does this mean?
For most people who want to become clients, it means we will talk to you about your case over the phone. We will not charge you to examine the merits of your case. Most lawyers do charge an attorney fee to review your case. We do not.
If you get a hearing notice, then call an attorney who has experience in Social Security Disability law. They will know your case should be granted at an earlier level in the case. They can advocate for your rights. Don’t leave your future to chance. Hire an attorney with the experience to win your benefits.
At our SSD law firm, we are experts in winning the disability benefits. Our legal team can assist with your application, ensure you have proper medical records and handle any appeals for you. Additionally, if you want to learn about the lawyers and staff at our firm, then review our About Us page.
In the past 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases for our clients. Also, we help our clients make sure they are getting all of their benefits, including Medicaid benefits and Medicare benefits. If you are on the heart transplant waitlist at Status Levels 1-4, then contact us today. We will help you secure the financial and medical assistance you need.
