For years, thousands of people in the United States have waited long weeks to receive a response to their disability applications. The bureaucratic process has been an obstacle that causes delays in access to a key economic benefit. For many patients, this wait translates into uncertainty and difficulties covering basic expenses.
Over time, the Social Security Administration has sought ways to shorten the timelines. One of the most relevant tools is the Compassionate Allowances list; this mechanism recognizes diagnoses and prevents applicants from going through lengthy processes. Now, the program is adding a new group of diseases.
A measure that speeds up access to SSDI
On August 11, 2025, the United States Social Security Administration announced an official change. Thirteen medical conditions have been added to the Compassionate Allowances list. This means that those who suffer from these diseases will be able to access Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) more quickly.
The Compassionate Allowances program was created in 2008 with a clear goal. Its aim is to reduce unnecessary procedures in cases where the diagnosis is evident. This way, applicants can receive a payment sooner, and the agency reduces part of its administrative burden.
According to SSA data, more than 1.1 million applications have already benefited from this process. With the new expansion, even more people are expected to have access to a simplified procedure. For patients, receiving approval without long delays can make a difference in their quality of life.
The 13 new diseases included in the list
The change announced in August represents an important step in social protection. These are the conditions that are now part of the program:
- Au-Kline syndrome.
- Bilateral anophthalmia.
- Carey-Fineman-Ziter syndrome.
- Harlequin ichthyosis (child).
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
- LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy.
- Progressive muscular atrophy.
- AL-type pulmonary amyloidosis.
- Rasmussen encephalitis.
- Thymic carcinoma.
- Turnpenny-Fry syndrome.
- WHO grade III meningiomas.
- Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim syndrome.
Those who suffer from any of these conditions and apply for SSDI must submit a medical report. The document must prove the diagnosis, which will allow the SSA to expedite the case. The agency prioritizes these files, reducing the usual waiting times.
This progress not only impacts applicants, but also means a reduction in the agency's internal bureaucratic burden. By shortening the timelines in evident diagnoses, the SSA can dedicate more resources to other cases. For all these reasons, it is a measure that benefits both the system and citizens.