Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Pennsylvania can feel overwhelming, especially when the wait times for a decision often stretch for many months. However, under certain circumstances, your SSDI application may be expedited, meaning the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews and decides your case faster.

If you live in Pennsylvania and are dealing with severe health issues or urgent financial needs, it’s important to understand how and when SSDI can be accelerated.
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Normal SSDI Processing in Pennsylvania
- Initial SSDI applications in Pennsylvania typically take 4–6 months for review.
- If denied, appeals can extend the process by a year or more, especially at the hearing stage.
- Because of these long timelines, expedited processing is critical for people facing severe conditions or urgent situations.
Ways SSDI Can Be Expedited in Pennsylvania
1. Compassionate Allowances (CAL)
- Certain severe conditions, like late-stage cancers, ALS, or rare genetic disorders, qualify for Compassionate Allowances.
- These cases are flagged for fast-track approval since they clearly meet SSA’s disability criteria.
- Many CAL cases are decided in just a few weeks.
2. Presumptive Disability (PD)
- For applicants applying through Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSA may grant temporary benefits if the disability is almost certain to qualify.
- While not permanent approval, it provides financial relief during the review process.
3. Dire Need Cases
- If you cannot afford food, shelter, or medicine, your case may be flagged as a “dire need” and reviewed faster.
- Documentation like eviction notices or medical bills can support this claim.
4. Veterans and Wounded Warriors
- Veterans who became disabled during active duty after October 1, 2001, or those with a VA disability rating of 100% P&T, may qualify for expedited handling.
5. Terminal Illness Cases (TERI)
- Applicants with a terminal illness diagnosis, such as end-stage cancer, are processed under TERI procedures, which ensure a decision is made quickly.
How to Request Expedited Processing in Pennsylvania
- Note urgent circumstances when submitting your application.
- Submit medical evidence clearly showing the severity of your condition.
- Provide documentation of financial or housing hardships if claiming dire need.
- Work with an attorney who can properly flag your case and communicate with SSA offices in Pennsylvania.
Why Expedited Processing Matters
For many Pennsylvania residents, expedited SSDI means:
- Faster access to monthly benefits
- Quicker eligibility for Medicare (after 24 months of SSDI) or Medicaid (for SSI)
- Relief from financial strain while managing medical needs
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Navigating expedited SSDI rules in Pennsylvania can be complex. Hogan Smith can:
- Identify if you qualify under Compassionate Allowances, TERI, or other fast-track programs
- Gather and submit strong medical evidence to support your expedited request
- Communicate directly with local SSA offices in Pennsylvania
- Guide you through appeals if your expedited claim is still delayed
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you are applying for SSDI in Pennsylvania and believe your case qualifies for expedited review, don’t wait. Contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation to ensure your claim is handled as quickly and effectively as possible.
Further Reading
Updated February 10, 2025
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