Commissioner Michael J. Astrue of the Social Security Administration (SSA) took action to expand the SSA Compassionate Allowance (CAL) conditions program. Commissioner Astrue added fifty-two (52) illnesses, diseases, and impairments to the CAL conditions list. Social Security implemented the CAL program in 2008 to fast-track cases when Americans are suffering from the most serious disabilities. The program began with a mere 48 diseases. Since the Commissioner’s 52 additions became effective on December 2, 2012, the list currently includes 165 disabling conditions. The Commissioner’s additions included certain cancers, immune system disorders, adult brain disorders, and children genetic disorders. A list of the 52 new CAL conditions can be found at (http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/compassionate-allowances-0412-pr.htm).
Those suffering from such a condition should be aware that there is no special SSA application. The disabled individual uses the standard application when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Further, being diagnosed with a CAL condition does not increase the disabled individuals benefits. Monthly payments are the same as those who receive SSDI and SSI for a condition not found on the CAL list.
Commissioner Astrue has been repeatedly praised for expanding the CAL program to help even more Americans with devastating disabilities. SSA further recognized the benefits of expanding the program and stated that it will continue to add new conditions to the CAL list annually. For a full list of the Compassionate Allowances Conditions please visit
(http://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm)
