Direct answer
What is a Compassionate Allowance?
A Compassionate Allowance (CAL) is an SSA designation for medical conditions that so clearly meet the disability standard that claims are fast-tracked and can be approved in a matter of weeks.
The Compassionate Allowances Initiative includes more than 250 conditions, including ALS, pancreatic cancer, early-onset Alzheimer's, and many rare pediatric conditions. Claims still require standard non-medical eligibility.
Sourced from ssa.gov — see citations below.
What is on the CAL list?
250+ conditions, including advanced cancers, ALS, early-onset Alzheimer's, and many rare pediatric diseases.
Do I still need work credits?
Yes — non-medical eligibility for SSDI still applies.
Topics
Sources
Every figure and rule on this page is drawn from official SSA publications. Verify at the links below.
- SSA — Compassionate Allowances (ssa.gov)