In 2008, the Social Security Administration (SSA) created and launched the Compassionate Allowance (CAL) program. This program allows SSA to flag Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims in which a claimant’s condition(s) is so severe that they automatically meet SSA’s definition of disability. This led SSA to create a list of these severe conditions, with the goal of expediting the claims process for individuals with these diagnoses. While CAL conditions are not guaranteed to result in death, many of these conditions are unfortunately expected to be terminal, or to cause permanent or long-lasting illness.

Since its inception, the CAL program has identified over 230 conditions, including metastatic or fast-growing cancers, genetic diseases, motor neurological disorders, and terminal illnesses, which are fast-tracked for a disability determination. Through this list of conditions and the CAL program, over half a million claimants have been awarded SSDI benefits. In most cases, medical support of a diagnosis alone is enough for an approval. In some cases, however, Social Security may require additional medical evidence before a claim is processed.

Earlier this year, SSA announced that four new conditions were being added to the list of Compassionate Allowance claims:

CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder: A rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CDKL5 gene of the X-chromosome.

Pitt Hopkins Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TCF4 gene.

Primary Peritoneal Cancer: A cancer that originates in the peritoneum (tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and the surface of the abdominal organs).

Richter Syndrome: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Click here to view a full list of all the conditions that SSA qualifies for Compassionate Allowances. To learn more about the Compassionate Allowance program or if you/a loved one’s condition may qualify for an expedited claim review, please feel free to reach out to The Advocator Group or your local Social Security office or visit the Social Security website!

 

This post was written by Lauryn, a Benefit Coordinator.

Nothing in this post is intended as advice or a suggestion to elect or not elect to claim benefits of any kind, including Social Security benefits, nor is it intended as financial advice in any way.  The decision to claim benefits is a personal one that is contingent upon each individual’s unique circumstances.