Social Security Administration Expands Compassionate Allowances Program with Nine New Conditions

SSA LogoPhoto bySocial Security Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it has added nine new health conditions to its Compassionate Allowances program, which expedites disability benefits for individuals with severe medical conditions. Announced by SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley on August 12, the new additions include rare genetic disorders like Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome and Costello Syndrome, as well as conditions such as Adult Heart Transplant Wait List - Status Levels 1-4 and Plasmablastic Lymphoma.

The Compassionate Allowances program now covers 287 conditions, allowing individuals with severe disabilities or terminal illnesses faster access to benefits. The program, which began in 2008 with only 50 conditions, has expanded based on input from medical experts and public suggestions.

The nine new additions are:

• Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder affecting learning and growth.
• Costello Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder causing developmental delays, heart issues, and short stature.
• Adult Heart Transplant Wait List - Status Levels 1-4.
• Histiocytic Malignancies: A condition where excessive histiocytes (a type of white blood cell) cause tissue damage or tumor formation.
• Neonatal Marfan Syndrome: A severe condition in newborns leading to rapidly progressive cardiovascular disease due to abnormal connective tissue.
• PACS1 Syndrome: Characterized by intellectual disability, speech and language issues, and distinctive facial features.
• Plasmablastic Lymphoma: A type of blood cancer linked to immune system problems, such as HIV.
• Renal Medullary Carcinoma: A rare kidney cancer predominantly affecting young men of African descent.
• Snijders Blok-Campeau Syndrome: A condition marked by intellectual disability, speech issues, and distinctive facial features.

Revised Conditions

• Child Heart Transplant Wait List - Status Levels 1A/1B.

• Histiocytosis Syndromes: A group of disorders involving an abnormal increase in histiocytes.

Since its inception, the Compassionate Allowances program has helped over 1 million individuals gain faster access to benefits. The SSA’s ongoing commitment to expanding the list ensures that more people with debilitating conditions can navigate the disability benefits process more swiftly.