The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially announced the addition of 13 new medical conditions to its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program.
This initiative is designed to speed up disability benefit approvals for individuals with the most severe illnesses that clearly meet Social Security’s statutory disability requirements.
What is the Compassionate Allowances Program?
The CAL program helps fast-track the disability application process for individuals diagnosed with serious, life-altering medical conditions.
By identifying cases that are highly likely to meet SSA’s definition of disability, the program allows claimants to receive a decision in significantly less time compared to the standard process.
The 13 Newly Added Conditions
The SSA has now expanded the CAL list to include the following medical conditions:
- Au-Kline Syndrome
- Bilateral Anophthalmia
- Carey-Fineman-Ziter Syndrome
- Harlequin Ichthyosis – Child
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- LMNA-related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
- Progressive Muscular Atrophy
- Pulmonary Amyloidosis – AL Type
- Rasmussen Encephalitis
- Thymic Carcinoma
- Turnpenny-Fry Syndrome
- WHO Grade III Meningiomas
- Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim Syndrome
With these additions, the total number of CAL conditions has reached 300.
Impact of the CAL Program
Since its launch, the Compassionate Allowances initiative has benefited over 1.1 million people with severe disabilities, ensuring they receive benefits faster while remaining fully compliant with SSA policy.
SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano stated:
“Our priority is to continually improve the disability process and provide quicker support to those facing the most devastating diagnoses. Adding these 13 conditions is a step toward a more compassionate and efficient system.”
How the Process Works
When someone applies for Social Security Disability Benefits, the SSA collects medical records to determine eligibility. Using advanced technology, the agency can identify potential CAL conditions early and prioritize them for faster processing.
Through the Health IT program, SSA can securely receive electronic medical records from healthcare providers, allowing adjudicators to make faster, more accurate decisions.
The addition of 13 new conditions to the Compassionate Allowances list underscores SSA’s commitment to providing timely assistance to those with severe and life-threatening medical conditions. With a total of 300 qualifying conditions, the program continues to be a vital resource for individuals who urgently need financial and medical support.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Compassionate Allowances program?
The CAL program is designed to fast-track disability applications for individuals with severe medical conditions that clearly meet Social Security’s disability criteria.
How many conditions are now included on the CAL list?
With the latest update, there are 300 conditions on the CAL list.
Does everyone with a CAL condition get automatic approval?
No. While CAL conditions are highly likely to meet SSA’s disability criteria, medical evidence is still required to confirm eligibility.