"Critical Cases" for Social Security

A "critical case" in Social Security requires expedited processing and affords the claimant an immediate assignment to an Administrative Law Judge. Previously, the critical designation applied to cases involving:

1. Terminal illness
2. Dire Need (i.e. individual is unable to obtain food, medicine, or shelter)
3. Suicidal/homicidal claimants

Recently, two new categories have been included. They are:

1. A disability claim for any military service personnel injured Oct. 1, 2001 or later provided that the individual was on active duty when the injury occured; and
2. Compassionate allowance cases. There are numerous examples for compassionate allowance cases, and many can be found here.

It is up to your attorney to provide a written explanation of your situation to the courts and provide a properly completed Critical Request Evaluation Sheet.