Compassionate Allowance (CAL)

What is a Compassionate Allowance?

Compassionate Allowances (CALs) are a program implemented by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to quickly identify and process disability claims for individuals with severe medical conditions. The program is designed to expedite the disability determination process for individuals whose medical conditions are so severe that their condition clearly meets the SSA's definition of disability.

What Conditions qualify as Compassionate Allowances?

The SSA has identified a list of specific medical conditions that qualify for CALs. These conditions include, but are not limited to: various types of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury. The list is regularly reviewed and updated by the SSA based on medical and scientific advancements.

The CALs program allows the SSA to quickly identify and process the claims of individuals with these severe medical conditions, without the need for extensive medical documentation or a lengthy disability determination process. This means that individuals with CALs conditions can receive a decision on their disability claim within days or weeks, rather than the months or years that it can take for a typical disability claim to be processed.

How to qualify for a Compassionate Allowance

In order to qualify for a Compassionate Allowance, an individual must have a severe medical condition that meets the SSA's definition of disability. The individual must also provide the SSA with sufficient medical evidence to support their claim. The SSA may also request additional medical information or a consultative examination if needed to make a determination.

It's important to note that a Compassionate Allowance does not guarantee that an individual will be approved for disability benefits. Each claim is still evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the individual's medical condition, age, education, and work experience will be taken into account when making a determination.

Compassionate Allowances and Terminal Illness

Compassionate Allowances are also available for claimants who are applying for benefits through the expedited process for "Terminal Illness" (TERI) cases. TERI cases are for claimants who are not expected to live more than six months. The SSA will process these claims on an expedited basis and provide an expedited payment of benefits if the claim is approved.

In conclusion, Compassionate Allowances (CALs) is a program implemented by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to quickly identify and process disability claims for individuals with severe medical conditions. The program is designed to expedite the disability determination process for individuals whose medical conditions are so severe that their condition clearly meets the SSA's definition of disability. CALs is a list of specific medical conditions that qualify for CALs, and the list is regularly reviewed and updated by the SSA based on medical and scientific advancements. It's important to note that a Compassionate Allowance does not guarantee that an individual will be approved for disability benefits, and each claim is still evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, expedited process for "Terminal Illness" (TERI) cases are also available for claimants who are not expected to live more than six months.