The Social Security Administration (SSA) has implemented Compassionate Allowances (CAL) to expedite the disability claim process for individuals with the most severe medical conditions. This initiative recognizes that certain diseases and conditions inherently meet Social Security’s disability standards, significantly reducing wait times for those who are clearly eligible for benefits. While income limits are a consideration for some Social Security programs, Compassionate Allowances focus primarily on the severity of the medical condition to accelerate access to necessary support.
Compassionate Allowances are designed to identify claims where an applicant’s medical condition unequivocally qualifies them for disability benefits. These conditions predominantly include specific types of cancers, severe adult brain disorders, and a range of rare childhood disorders. By leveraging advanced technology, the SSA can quickly pinpoint potential Compassionate Allowances cases and fast-track the decision-making process. It’s important to note that the evaluation criteria for CAL conditions remain consistent across both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, ensuring equitable access for all eligible individuals regardless of the specific program.
The SSA actively gathers information from various sources to continuously update and refine the list of Compassionate Allowances conditions. This information comes from the public, insights from the Social Security and Disability Determination Service communities, expert guidance from medical and scientific professionals, research collaborations with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and findings from public outreach hearings. This comprehensive approach ensures that the Compassionate Allowances list remains current and reflects the latest medical understanding of severely disabling conditions. If you wish to propose a condition for consideration as a Compassionate Allowance, you can find detailed information on the Submit the Name of a Condition for Consideration page.
To further enhance awareness and understanding of the Compassionate Allowances initiative, the SSA conducts outreach and public hearings. Seven public outreach hearings have been held to date. The SSA also collaborates with various organizations through teleconferences, webinars, and meetings to educate advocacy groups and their members about the CAL initiative and Social Security’s broader disability programs. This proactive engagement aims to ensure that individuals who could benefit from Compassionate Allowances, and the organizations that support them, are well-informed about this vital program.
