Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) updates its Compassionate Allowance (CAL) list of serious medical conditions that clearly meet the SSA's definition of disability. The CAL program helps individuals with the most severe illnesses receive faster decisions on their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.
Under the SSA, qualifying disabilities are the following medical conditions:
- Prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (work), and
- Expected to last at least a year or cause death.
What is the Compassionate Allowance Scheme?
The disability benefits process can be long and complex, often taking months or even years to complete. This delay can cause significant financial and emotional hardship for individuals and families facing a life-changing diagnosis.
The Compassionate Allowance Scheme ensures that the sickest applicants do not face unnecessary delays. Claims flagged under the CAL list can be reviewed quickly, meaning they move through the system faster. This allows those who qualify to access critical financial support more quickly, taking some of the stress out of dealing with a devastating disease.
New conditions for 2025
In August 2025, the SSA expanded the list of compassionate benefits to include several other rare and serious conditions, including:
- Au-Kline Syndrome – A rare genetic disorder that causes developmental delays and multiple congenital anomalies.
- Bilateral anophthalmia – Missing eyes, resulting in blindness at birth.
- Carey-Fineman-Ziter syndrome – A congenital disorder that causes facial weakness, scoliosis, and respiratory problems.
- Harlequin Ichthyosis (Children) – A life-threatening genetic skin disease affecting newborns.
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplant – High-risk surgery to treat serious blood and immune disorders.
- LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy – A progressive muscle-wasting disease that affects mobility and heart function.
- Progressive muscle atrophy – A rare neurological disease similar to ALS that causes muscle weakness and wasting.
- Pulmonary amyloidosis – AL type – caused by abnormal protein buildup in the lungs, leading to respiratory failure.
- Rasmussen's encephalitis – A rare neurological disorder that causes chronic seizures and progressive brain damage.
- Thymic cancer – A rare and aggressive cancer of the thymus.
- Turnpenny-Fry syndrome – A developmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability and growth retardation.
- WHO grade III meningioma – Malignant brain tumors with aggressive growth and recurrence.
- Zhu-Tokita-Takeouchi-Kim Syndrome– A serious genetic disorder that can cause a variety of developmental and medical complications.
What does this update mean for applicants with disabilities?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with one of these newly added compassionate benefit conditions, your SSDI or SSI claim may be eligible for an expedited review. While medical documentation is still required, SSA recognition of these situations allows your claim to move through the process more quickly, helping you get the financial relief you need when you need it most.
How a Michigan Disability Lawyer Can Help
At Michigan Disability Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face a serious medical condition while navigating the Social Security Disability process. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping individuals and families receive the benefits they deserve as efficiently as possible.
We will work with you to ensure your claim is properly documented, submitted, and supported with the evidence required by the SSA. If your condition qualifies for the Compassion Benefit Scheme, we will ensure your case gets the quick attention it deserves. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition that qualifies for compassionate benefits, contact a Michigan disability attorney today for a free consultation. We are here to guide you.
Submit your form online today or contact us at 800-949-2900 for a free legal consultation.
