Claiming Rules
Understanding Compassionate Allowance Conditions for Social Security
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 16, 2026
The short answer
Compassionate Allowances (CAL) are a way to identify diseases and medical conditions that meet the Social Security's disability standards. These are conditions that obviously meet the requirements for disability and are identified by listing in the Listing of Impairments. CAL conditions can expedite the processing of claims if identified correctly.
What is the Compassionate Allowances Initiative?
The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative is designed to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that meet Social Security's standards for disability benefits. CAL uses a list of impairments that are so severe they automatically meet the disability standard. This policy helps ensure that the process is expedited for applications involving these conditions, allowing for quicker benefit payments. CAL cases are identified at various adjudication levels based on medical evidence or allegations of such conditions.
HA 01310.005 View source ›DI 23022.010How are CAL Cases Identified?
CAL cases are typically identified at the initial level of adjudication but may be identified later if new medical evidence comes to light. If a condition is on the CAL list and is identified during the claim process, it can significantly expedite the processing of that claim. The identification involves a CAL indicator in the case processing system and a 'CAL = Y' flag in electronic view systems. For more detailed information on the identification process, refer to source DI 23022.030.
HA 01310.005 View source ›DI 23022.030Manual Identification of CAL Cases
In some situations, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) or hearing offices can manually add a CAL indicator if the system does not automatically recognize a CAL condition. This may occur, for instance, if there is a misspelling or if a new condition develops while an application is processing. Subsequent identification can also occur during the course of appellate review.
HA 01210.040 View source ›DI 23022.055Processing Special Considerations
Electronic systems facilitate the identification of CAL cases. However, fully paper cases are not automatically flagged, meaning that if a CAL impairment is discovered in a review of paper documentation or upon receiving new evidence, it is crucial for staff to manually designate a case as a CAL case. Such cases are then subjected to critical case processing procedures.
HA 01210.040 View source ›DI 23022.055Frequently asked
How do I apply for a Compassionate Allowance?
You apply for a Compassionate Allowance the same way you apply for disability benefits. If your condition is on the CAL list, it may be automatically flagged for expedited processing.
What conditions qualify for Compassionate Allowance?
The conditions that qualify for Compassionate Allowance are listed in the Listing of Impairments, which includes severe medical conditions that clearly meet disability standards. For more details, consult the most recent Listing of Impairments from Social Security.
Can a condition not on the list be a Compassionate Allowance?
While CAL generally applies to listed conditions, a new condition can be considered if it develops during the claim process and meets the criteria of the Listing of Impairments.
How fast is the processing for a CAL case?
CAL cases are designed to expedite processing, ensuring that benefits are awarded as quickly as possible to those with severe conditions. However, exact processing times can vary.
Do I need special documentation for CAL?
Evidence substantiating the presence of a CAL condition is necessary. Accurate medical records and diagnosis documentation should be submitted with your claim.