What Conditions Automatically Qualify You For SSDI?

Logo of Compassionate Allowances List Set Against An Array Of Social Security Disability CardsSocial Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to millions of Americans experiencing a long term disability that keeps them out of the work force. To qualify for SSDI, you must meet a strict set of guidelines. However, there are certain medical conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that are so severe that they automatically qualify an individual for Social Security Disability Insurance.

The Compassionate Allowances List (CAL)

The SSA maintains a list of over 200 conditions that will almost always meet the necessary qualifications for obtaining SSDI. If you have one of these conditions, your claim will likely be automatically approved without having to go through multiple review processes. The CAL was initiated in an attempt to reduce wait times for a disability decision. You can find the list of over 200 conditions on the Social Security Administration web page for the Compassionate Allowances List (CAL).

Key Terms
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Benefit payments from the federal government for workers who paid Social Security taxes but can’t work anymore because of a serious, long-term disability.
CAL (Compassionate Allowances): A “fast track” list of severe illnesses that lets the Social Security Administration approve disability benefits much faster.
Blue Book (Listing of Impairments): The Social Security Administration’s medical rulebook that lists health problems and how serious they must be to qualify for disability benefits.
Medical-Vocational Allowance: A way to get approved even if you don’t match the Blue Book exactly, as the SSA looks at what you can still do, plus your age, education, and past jobs.

The Social Security Administration Blue Book Listings

In addition to the Compassionate Allowances List, the SSA’s Blue Book also lists impairments and disabilities that can qualify you for SSDI if medical evidence illustrates that your condition meets specific severity criteria. This does not mean you will automatically qualify, but if you have one of the conditions listed, at a severity that prevents substantial gainful activity, you will most likely be found disabled. These categories in the Blue Book include:

  • Musculoskeletal (e.g., severe spinal disorders, amputations)
  • Cardiovascular (e.g., chronic heart failure)
  • Respiratory (e.g., COPD with very low lung function)
  • Immune system disorders (e.g., HIV/AIDS, lupus, multiple sclerosis)

This Is Not an Exhaustive List, As There Are Medical Vocational Allowances

If your condition is not found on these lists, you still may qualify for SSDI. If your physical or mental limitations prevent you from working, and you cannot adjust to other work considering your age, education, and work history, you still can qualify for SSDI.

If You’ve Been Denied, We Can Help

If your condition is not in the Compassionate Allowances List or the Blue Book, you can still qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. If you meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI and have applied for benefits, but have been denied, we can help. Our diligent legal team has spent over three decades ensuring that individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term disability have the ability to appeal their denied decisions to receive the benefits they deserve. If you need to appeal your decision, reach out to our team using the buttons below.

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