Per the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults in the United States has some type of disability. This week, the Social Security Administration added 13 new serious illnesses to its Compassionate Allowances List (CAL) that meet the SSA’s disability requirements.
If you or someone you care about is living with a serious medical condition, you understand how crucial it is to receive timely support. By adding these 13 new conditions to its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list, it will enable more people to access disability benefits more quickly. The newly added conditions are:
- Au-Kline Syndrome
- Bilateral Anophthalmia
- Carey-Fineman-Ziter Syndrome
- Harlequin Ichthyosis – Child
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- LMNA-related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
- Progressive Muscular Atrophy
- Pulmonary Amyloidosis – AL Type
- Rasmussen Encephalitis
- Thymic Carcinoma
- Turnpenny-Fry Syndrome
- WHO Grade III Meningiomas
- Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim Syndrome
The total number of conditions on the CAL list is now 300. For the full list of CAL conditions, visit: ssa.gov/compassionateallowances
When a condition is on the CAL list, it is considered severe enough to qualify for disability benefits. When you apply for disability benefits, they review your medical records to see if you qualify. For individuals applying for SSI benefits with one of these conditions, their application is prioritized for faster processing.
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Other Social Security Disability Changes in 2025
Several key changes have come into effect for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs in 2025.
- Social Security and SSI benefits increased by 2.5% in 2025.
- The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which determines the maximum amount a disabled individual can earn while still qualifying for benefits, has increased in 2025.
- For non-blind individuals, the new SGA limit is $1,620 per month.
- For statutorily blind individuals, the SGA limit is $2,700 per month.
- The maximum Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit increased to approximately $4,018 per month in 2025.
- The average SSDI benefit increased from $1,537 to $1,580 in 2025.
- The monthly maximum Federal amounts for 2025 are $967 for an eligible individual and $1,450 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse.
- The asset limits for SSI recipients have not been updated since 1989 and remain at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
According to the Pew Research Center, roughly 42.5 million people are living with disabilities in the United States, per AccessibilityChecker.org.
Private Grants
Businesses and organizations privately fund private grants for disabled adults and children. AccessibilityChecker.org lists the following resources. And, check with your state to see if it offers state-specific grants for individuals with disabilities.
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC)
FODAC provides refurbished equipment such as wheelchairs to people with disabilities, helping them better their quality of life. This is made possible through a network of partners, volunteers, and donors.
Byron Riesch Paralysis Foundation
This organization’s main objective is to find a cure for paralysis, but in the meantime, they provide assistance to those living with neurological disorders. To make it easier to perform daily tasks such as bathing, the Byron Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides people with adaptive equipment for their homes. Scholarships are also available to people struggling with neurological disorders.
I Got Legs Foundation
U.S. residents with a permanent physical disability can apply for a grant through the I Got Legs Foundation. To qualify, there needs to be proof of financial aid and specific medical documentation. Preference is given to individuals in need of prosthetic treatment or adaptive technologies. Grants can also be used towards home modifications such as the installation of ramps and lifts.
Elderly or Disabled Living
This particular grant is for low-income elderly and disabled people living in the United States. People over the age of 55 who meet the necessary criteria are eligible for this grant, including those who are determined to be disabled by the federal government. Funds can be used toward bills, health insurance, car repayments, mortgage payments, and more.
Chanda Center for Health
With the help of therapies, the Chanda Foundation is helping people with physical disabilities to improve their quality of life. Therapies include massage, exercise, chiropractors, acupuncture, and yoga. The center provides access to integrative treatments at its Lakewood facility through disability-competent providers and community partners.
Wheels of Happiness
To help people with disabilities gain more independence, Wheels of Happiness provides medical equipment and supplies, psychological assistance, and general inspiration. All of this is made possible through corporate funding, individual donors, and fundraising events.
High Fives Non-Profit Foundation
Injuries such as amputation and spinal and brain injuries can be life-altering, which is where High Fives comes in. Individuals who were injured during an adventure sport or inertia-based accident are able to apply for a grant that will help them regain some of their independence.
Joseph Groh Foundation
This particular grant is for individuals working in construction who sustained serious injury and/or a disability. Grants from the Joseph Groh Foundation can be used to pay for medical equipment as well as home medications such as remodeling for wheelchair access or the construction of ramps and lifts.
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Changes Happen Fast
Compassionate programs exist. Resources for those impacted by these programs can make all the difference. I research as best I can to provide sources of help, recognizing I am not the expert in every particular program.
Providing advisory services and resources to help you understand what’s involved with planning and feeling prepared is my area of focus. Send me an Email or Book a Time with Lynn if you have any questions or would like to connect via Zoom.
For additional information about my work, check out @ The Living Planner or @ The Living Planner. If you’re up for pre-planning, my book is a resource for you. The Living Planner What to Prepare Now While You Are Living © Check it out HERE.
Quote for the week: “The human capacity for burden is like bamboo- far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance.”
― Jodi Picoult
To the week ahead – be well. Lynn
#Can’tPredictCanPrepare #CareForPeopleCareForBusiness