Social Security Adds 13 New Conditions To Fast-Track Disability List

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently expanded its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list by adding 13 new medical conditions, bringing the total to 300 conditions that qualify for expedited disability benefits processing. This expansion, effective Aug. 11, 2025, aims to help people with severe medical conditions receive critical financial support faster.

Making Things More Efficient

The Compassionate Allowances program works like an express lane for disability claims. When someone has a medical condition on the CAL list, their application moves to the front of the line because these conditions clearly meet Social Security's definition of disability. This can reduce wait times from many months to just a few weeks.

Since the program began in 2008, over 1.1 million people have received benefits through this faster process. This matters because the regular disability application process can be painfully slow—as of July 2025, the average wait for an initial decision was 220 days, with nearly 936,000 cases waiting to be processed.

The 13 Newly Added Conditions

The conditions added to the list are mostly rare but severe diagnoses:

• Bilateral Anophthalmia
• Carey-Fineman-Ziter Syndrome
• Harlequin Ichthyosis (Child)
• LMNA-related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
• Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim Syndrome
• Au-Kline Syndrome
• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
• Progressive Muscular Atrophy
• Pulmonary Amyloidosis – AL Type
• Rasmussen Encephalitis
• Thymic Carcinoma
• Turnpenny-Fry Syndrome
• WHO Grade III Meningiomas

While the SSA doesn’t explain in their updates why certain conditions are added, there are common characteristics. These conditions tend to cause predictable, severe disability with clear objective evidence and poor prognosis.

Why Speed Matters

For many people facing serious illnesses, waiting months for disability benefits can mean choosing between paying rent or buying medication. A faster decision can help families stay in their homes, afford medical care and maintain some financial stability during an incredibly difficult time.

"Expanding the CAL list provides critical relief for individuals facing difficult medical journeys," explained Terry J. Geist, principal advocate at Allsup. However, Geist warns that having a qualifying diagnosis doesn't guarantee automatic approval—applicants still need to provide complete medical documentation and meet all eligibility requirements.

How The Fast-Track Process Works

When someone applies for disability benefits, the SSA's system automatically flags applications that mention CAL conditions. These applications then skip ahead in the processing queue. The system also uses electronic medical records to speed up reviews and make more accurate decisions.

However, it's important to understand that even with a CAL condition, applicants must still have eligibility, which includes:

• Have a qualifying work history for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
• Be unable to work due to their condition.
• Provide thorough medical documentation.

Getting Help With Applications

Because incomplete applications can still lead to denials, many people seek professional help. Allsup specializes in helping applicants gather the right documentation and present their cases clearly. We have a 97% approval rate for people who complete the SSDI process with our assistance.

Beyond just filing paperwork, some representatives also connect people with resources for housing, utilities, transportation and medical needs while they wait for their benefits to begin.

Good News – And More Work To Do

While the addition of these 13 conditions to the CAL list is good news for people with these specific diagnoses, the disability benefits system still faces significant challenges. Nearly a million people are waiting for decisions on their applications, and processing times remain long for most applicants.

If you or someone you know has one of these conditions—or any severe medical condition that prevents working—it may be worth exploring Social Security disability benefits. The key is to provide complete medical documentation and understand that even with a fast-track condition, the process requires patience and thorough preparation.

Improving Your Outcome With Allsup

If you are experiencing disability at any stage and need to get approved for Social Security disability benefits, expert help from Allsup can make the difference.

Claimants who had a representative received benefits at a rate three times higher than a claimant with no representative, according to a 2017 GAO report.

Allsup has 40+ years of experience helping over 400,000 people get approved for SSDI. We also have industry-leading expertise in handling VA appeals, returning to work with benefits protection and Medicare plan selection.

Advantages Of Having Allsup Representation

• Expert guidance throughout the process.
• Increased likelihood of approval.
• Disability Financial Solutions® to help regain stability.
• Support during the appeals process.
• Reducing stress by focusing on your health while we handle your claim.
• Representation for VA and SSDI together, if a veteran.
• Long-term help, including Medicare plan selection and returning to work.

Allsup can provide you with everything you need to make the process smoother, reduce delays and improve your chances of approval.

Learn more about…

• What's involved with filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• How to calculate your SSDI benefit payment.
• Your SSDI eligibility status and how to get started online.
• How Allsup helps make the critical difference in SSDI claim approval.
• Refer a friend who could use help with SSDI.

Get Started – With No Cost And No Obligation.

Check your eligibility now, or connect with Allsup by calling (800) 678-3276 or contacting us online.