Can SSDI be expedited in South Carolina?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 08/18/2025


The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process often takes months or even years to complete. For many applicants in South Carolina, waiting this long without income or medical support can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers several options that may allow your disability claim to be expedited, giving you a faster decision.

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Why Expedited SSDI Matters in South Carolina
  • Many applicants face serious financial hardship while waiting.
  • South Carolina’s average wait time for a hearing can be over a year.
  • Expedited programs exist to prevent people with severe needs from falling through the cracks.


Qualifying Programs for Expedited SSDI


Compassionate Allowances (CAL)

  • Designed for applicants with clearly defined severe or terminal illnesses.
  • Includes conditions like ALS, pancreatic cancer, and rare genetic disorders.
  • These cases are flagged automatically for quicker review.


Terminal Illness (TERI) Cases

  • Reserved for individuals with medical evidence of a terminal condition.
  • Often processed within weeks instead of months.


Presumptive Disability (PD)

  • Provides temporary benefits while the final decision is pending.
  • Covers conditions such as total blindness, amputation, or end-stage renal disease.


Dire Need Situations

  • Applies if you are homeless, facing eviction, or unable to afford essential medical care.
  • Requires strong documentation such as eviction notices or treatment letters.


Wounded Warrior & Veterans Fast Track

  • Veterans disabled during active duty after October 1, 2001, may qualify for faster reviews.


How Long Does Expedited Processing Take?
  • Compassionate Allowance: usually a few weeks.
  • Terminal Illness cases: sometimes under a month.
  • Presumptive Disability: temporary benefits may start almost immediately.
  • Dire Need requests: still several months, but faster than standard cases.
  • Standard SSDI applications: can take 6 to 18 months.


Steps to Request Expedited SSDI in South Carolina
  1. File your SSDI application as soon as possible.
  2. Gather medical records proving your condition qualifies.
  3. Submit supporting documents like eviction notices or doctor’s letters.
  4. Ask SSA directly for expedited processing.
  5. Follow up regularly to ensure your case remains a priority.


Challenges with Expedited SSDI Requests
  • Not every claim qualifies for expedited handling.
  • Lack of strong medical evidence can cause delays.
  • Incorrect filing or missing documents may slow the process.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

Navigating SSDI on your own can feel overwhelming, especially if you are in urgent need. Hogan Smith provides guidance at every step:


  • Careful case evaluation to see if expedited review applies.
  • Assistance with gathering medical evidence and documentation.
  • Correctly filing your application to avoid unnecessary delays.
  • Communicating directly with SSA on your behalf.
  • Strong representation if your case requires an appeal.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you believe your SSDI claim in South Carolina should be expedited, don’t wait. Hogan Smith has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process and fight for the fastest possible outcome. Call today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing your benefits.


Further Reading

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Updated February 10, 2025

A black and white icon of a newspaper on a white background.

Updated February 10, 2025

A black and white icon of a newspaper on a white background.

Updated February 10, 2025

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