Compassionate Allowances Get Expedited Disability Determinations

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides expedited processing for medical conditions that are listed in the "Compassionate Allowances List" (CAL). CAL cases don't involve any special criteria for qualifying for disability benefits. Rather, Compassionate Allowance cases are those involving such severe impairments that the case would always match one of Social Security's disability listings.

How Do I Apply for a Compassionate Allowance?

You don't apply for a Compassionate Allowance specifically. Social Security reviews all disability applications to see whcih ones qualify as compassionate allowances. Compassionate Allowance cases are selected for fast processing based solely on the allegations of the disability claimant (applicant) or of a parent of a child claimant. If the allegations fit the SSA's predictive model that the claim will be able to be approved with minimal objective information (such as a positive biopsy for esophageal cancer), the case is put on a fast track for a decision. It can help to note on the top of your application "Compassionate Allowance claim" -- unless you're applying online.

Compassionate Allowances (CAL) apply to both SSDI and SSI claims. Because minimal objective information is required--proof of the medical condition is sufficient to assume disability--these cases can be allowed (approved) in much less time.

What Medical Evidence Is Required?

The information that Disability Determination Services (DDS, a state agency that makes disability determinations for the SSA) must have is truly nominal—just enough information to establish the correct diagnosis. However, hospitals or treating doctors may take weeks or months to respond to a DDS request for medical records. Therefore, you can speed up processing of your claim by submitting basic medical information along with your application or sending it to the examiner yourself.

The type of medical information you need to submit depends on the nature of your condition. Most CAL cases involve cancer. If you have leukemia or another form of cancer, the most important thing is the biopsy report. Along with a hospital discharge summary or letter from your doctor, that would be sufficient evidence to get a disability approval through the CAL program (if your type and stage of cancer is on the list of CAL conditions).

How Quickly Are Compassionate Allowances Decided?

Unlike many claims, Compassionate Allowance cases are decided within a matter of days rather than months. That is the "compassion" component of the Compassionate Allowances program: the SSA gives them priority. In that sense, these cases are similar to Quick Disability Determination (QDD) cases. However, unlike a QDD claim, a medical consultant is needed to medically assess and sign a CAL case before approval or denial. In all other ways, CAL cases are like regular disability cases. For instance, the five-month waiting period for SSDI claims is not waived by having a compassionate allowance. The waiting period is established by federal law and cannot be reversed by SSA's compassionate allowance initiative.

Other Expedited Social Security Processes

The Social Security Administration also has a program for terminal illnesses that provides for quick disability decisions. Learn more about the terminal illness program (TERI).

Quick Disability Determination is an automated method that Social Security uses to identify and process claims for obvious disabilities. Learn more about Quick Disability Determinations.

Another program, the presumptive disability program, doesn't speed up the decision, but does pay benefits while your claim is being decided. This program is available for SSI only. Learn more about the presumptive disability program.

What Conditions Qualify for Compassionate Allowances?

Here is a complete list of CAL impairments: