Compassionate Allowances: Fast-Tracking Disability Benefits for Serious Conditions

The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program is a Social Security initiative designed to speed up disability benefits for individuals with the most severe medical conditions.

By quickly identifying diseases that clearly meet Social Security’s standards, CAL helps eligible applicants get the support they need without unnecessary delays.

 

What Are Compassionate Allowances?

Compassionate Allowances focus on conditions that, by definition, meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) standards for disability benefits. These include:

• Certain types of cancers

• Adult brain disorders

• Rare disorders affecting children

The program ensures that applicants with these serious conditions do not face long waits for a disability determination.

For full list of Compassionate Allowances Conditions, check here.

 

How the Program Works

The SSA uses advanced technology to identify potential CAL conditions and make fast, accurate decisions.

The same evaluation rules apply whether the applicant is applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Read: SSA Confirms: 13 New Conditions Added to Speed Up Social Security Benefit Approvals

 

Sources of CAL Information

To keep the CAL list current, SSA gathers information from multiple sources:

• Public submissions and comments

• Social Security and Disability Determination Service communities

• Medical and scientific experts

• Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• Past public outreach hearings

This collaborative approach ensures that the program covers the most urgent and life-threatening conditions.

 

How to Submit a Condition for CAL Consideration

Anyone can suggest a condition to SSA for potential inclusion in the Compassionate Allowances program.

To submit a condition, visit Submit the Name of a Condition for Consideration and provide detailed information about the disease or medical condition.

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