To combat the backlog of nearly 700,000 claims and counting that are waiting for a hearing before the Social Security Administration (SSA), the federal agency has launched a number of initiatives to expedite Social Security Disability Insurance benefits to thousands of individuals. The requirements for disability benefits for a person with a terminal illness are the same as the requirements for a person with a non-terminal illness—but the processing time is faster. Cases deemed “TERI” merit special handling, careful protocols for labeling and flagging of TERI cases, tracking and monitoring of timing to ensure processing without much delay. Applicants with an untreatable impairment must present a credible claim. Qualifying claims may include diagnosis such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or AIDS, or a statement that the claimant is receiving in-patient hospice care. Additionally, qualifying conditions include a bone marrow transplant, any malignant cancer that is metastatic (stage IV), and small cell or oat cell lung cancer are among many claims.
According to Social Security, terminal illness cases are those that are expected to result in the applicant’s death. An applicant does not necessarily have to state on the application that the illness is terminal for it to be expedited under the TERI program. A field office representative or a claims examiner at the DDS (Disability Determination Services) can send a claim into the TERI program when a doctor, family member, or friend states that that the illness is expected to result in death or when the claimant is receiving inpatient hospice care or home hospice care. In addition, if the patient has applied for disability on account of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) for example, the claimant will then be transferred into the TERI system.
The following medical conditions are eligible for TERI treatment, but this list is not exhaustive; any terminal illness can qualify for TERI expedited processing.
- Cancer that is metastatic, Stage IV, recurrent following therapy, or inoperable.
- Cancer of the esophagus, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, or brain.
- Small cell or oat cell lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma.
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
- Dependence on a cardiopulmonary life-sustaining device.
- Chronic heart failure or pulmonary failure, requiring continuous oxygen and caregivers.
- Comatose for 30 days or more.
- Newborn with a fatal genetic or congenital defect.
- Awaiting a liver, lung, heart, or bone marrow transplant.
Please visit the Social Security Disability website for more information regarding TERI claims and conditions.
