The update now expands the list of diseases that automatically meet the agency’s definition of disability to 300 qualifying conditions. The newest conditions added range from rare genetic syndromes, aggressive cancers, and rapidly progressing neurological disorders.
- 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
The Compassionate Allowances initiative was created to reduce delays for adults and children whose conditions are so serious that medical eligibility is clear. While applicants must still meet non-medical requirements, the CAL process bypasses often lengthy medical reviews by flagging qualifying cases early.
According to the SSA, more than 1.1 million people have been approved for benefits under the program since the program first started in 2008. The agency uses advanced screening technology and secure access to electronic medical records to help SSA evaluators make faster and more accurate decisions.
According to the SSA, at times, an applicant with a medical condition on the CAL can have their claim approved as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed.
Since its creation, more than 1.1 million people have been approved through the Compassionate Allowances process. The list has grown from the original 50 conditions in 2008 to 287 by August 2024, when nine new conditions were added. Monday’s announcement pushes the total to 300.
The SSA adds new conditions to the Compassionate Allowances list based on suggestions from the public, input from Social Security and Disability staff, advice from medical experts, research with the National Institutes of Health, and feedback from public outreach.