What Are Compassionate Allowances and How Do They Help with Social Security Disability Benefits?
If you’re waiting for Social Security disability benefits like SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you know that the process can take a long time—sometimes up to a year or more. For people who are already dealing with pain, discomfort, or serious disabilities, this wait can be especially tough. That’s where the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program comes in.
The CAL program was introduced in 2007 to speed up the application process for people with certain qualifying conditions. If you meet the medical criteria for CAL, you automatically meet the Social Security Administration’s disability requirements, meaning your application gets processed faster, so you can start receiving benefits sooner.
What is Compassionate Allowance?
CAL is a program designed to expedite the approval of Social Security disability benefits for people who have certain medical conditions. If your condition is on the CAL list, your application is flagged for faster processing. The best part? You don’t need to fill out any extra forms or check additional boxes. The system automatically detects qualifying conditions when you apply online.
Social Security Disability Benefits: What You Need to Know
There are two main programs that provide financial assistance to people who are disabled:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
- This program is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security taxes. To qualify, you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least one year or is expected to result in death. The amount you receive depends on how much you’ve paid into Social Security over your career.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
- SSI provides payments based on financial need. It’s available to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. The income and resources you have must be very limited to qualify.
What Conditions Qualify for CAL?
The CAL program covers a variety of serious medical conditions, including:
- Certain types of cancer
- Various neurodegenerative disorders
- Rare diseases
- Other life-threatening or severely debilitating conditions
The Social Security Administration continually updates the list of qualifying conditions, and if you have a condition that’s not listed, you can suggest it for consideration.
How to Apply for CAL?
Applying for CAL is simple. You apply for Social Security benefits just like everyone else:
- Online: You can fill out your application on the Social Security website.
- By Phone: Call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing).
- In Person: Visit your local Social Security office.
When filling out your application, make sure to mention any CAL-approved condition you have. The system automatically flags applications with qualifying conditions for quicker processing.
Once flagged, it typically takes anywhere from a week to a few months for approval. To avoid delays, ensure you provide all necessary medical documentation early in the process. If you’re not approved quickly, check in with the Social Security Administration to ensure your application is being expedited.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?
After your application is flagged for CAL, you can expect a quicker approval process—usually within a few weeks to a few months, depending on your condition and how much documentation you provide.
Summary
The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program is a helpful tool for those who need Social Security disability benefits fast. If you have a qualifying condition, your application will be expedited, and you’ll get the support you need more quickly. Remember, there’s no special form to fill out—just ensure your condition is listed, and the system will do the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Social Security disability benefits?
Social Security disability benefits come in two main forms:
- SSDI: Payments to people who have worked and paid into Social Security.
- SSI: Payments based on financial need for people who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
How long do you have to wait to receive SSDI benefits?
Without CAL, the process can take up to a year for SSDI approval. With CAL, however, applications can be processed much faster—typically in a few weeks to a few months.
How do you apply for the Compassionate Allowances program?
There’s no separate application for CAL. Simply apply for Social Security benefits, and if you have a qualifying condition, your application will automatically be flagged for faster processing.
What if I don’t hear back quickly?
If you haven’t received approval within a few months, follow up with the Social Security Administration to ensure your application is being expedited.
Conclusion
The Compassionate Allowances program helps those who are dealing with serious medical conditions get their Social Security disability benefits faster. If you have one of the qualifying conditions, make sure to include it in your application to speed up the process. While the wait for benefits can be long, CAL offers a way to cut that wait down, so you can focus on your health and well-being.