# What is a Compassionate Allowance?

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.

**Direct answer:** 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.

## 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](/ssdi) still applies.

## Sources
- SSA — Compassionate Allowances — https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/

## Related questions
- [What conditions automatically qualify for SSDI?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-conditions-automatically-qualify-for-ssdi)
- [How long does SSDI approval take?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-long-does-ssdi-approval-take)
## Topics
- Compassionate Allowances — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-a-compassionate-allowance
- SSDI Application Process — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/application-process
- SSA Blue Book — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/blue-book

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