According to data released by the American Cancer Society, there are more than 1 million cancer cases reported every year in the United States. Some of them are treatable, whereas other forms of cancer may be terminal. Cancer can be qualified as a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To receive disability benefits from the SSA based on a cancer diagnosis, your health must prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Not every patient who has cancer will be approved for SSA benefits.
If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, you may be wondering:
- Is cancer a disability?
- What are the disability benefits for cancer patients?
- Will you qualify for disability benefits based on your diagnosis?
The answer to these questions can be yes.
Cancer is considered a disability, according to the SSA’s Blue Book List of Impairments. However, whether an individual will qualify depends on multiple criteria. It may vary depending on the type of cancer with which you have been diagnosed and the stage of cancer. Cancer treatment can be expensive and can cause burdensome financial stress to families.
However, disability benefits can help you cover medical expenses and meet your everyday living expenses. If you have low household income, you can apply for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI benefits). SSI does not require an inability to work for at least 12 months to qualify for assistance.
Regardless of which program you apply for, you need to have comprehensive evidence and medical records that prove your disability. It is important that you keep track of all of your treatments and the specified diagnosis. An experienced legal professional can help you understand the documents that you must submit to prove your disability.
Cancer that qualifies for disability benefits
There are more than 100 types of cancer. Every type of cancer may have different symptoms and may require further treatment. Some forms of cancer are challenging to treat and diagnose, and these types may automatically qualify an individual for disability benefits.
Below, we have listed some of the forms of cancer that may qualify a person for disability benefits:
- Liver cancer
- Brain cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Salivary cancer
To qualify for benefits for other forms of cancer, you will need to have adequate supporting medical records to prove your disability. The qualification entirely depends on the treatment and the patient’s response to treatment.
In the event that you do not qualify for disability benefits, you can apply for medical-vocational allowance benefits.
How to apply for disability with cancer
The first step to applying for disability benefits is to submit the application form. You can either complete the form online or visit your nearest SSA office.
However, a local SSA visit is usually required. Therefore, before commencing the application procedure, we suggest you understand the legal requirements and gather the necessary evidence. You should also note that Social Security disability rules after age 50 are different. Therefore, you should ensure that you meet the requirements according to your age category.
Whether you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI, submitting complete medical documentation is mandatory. The SSA will not approve you for any benefits if your records are missing.
Make sure you have complete records of the following:
- Education
- Employment history
- Financial situation
- Job training
- Medical records
Your medical records should include all of the therapies or treatments that you have undergone. Any suggestions or remarks by your physician should also be included here.
Medical documents are the key to getting approved for disability benefits. Failing to submit a single document can prevent you from getting the services. You should have the following essential files:
- Surgical or biopsy notes (a report from the physician that can describe the type of cancer you have and why it cannot be treated)
- Imaging scans that show the location of the tumor
- Details of your cancer treatment
The application form is very detailed, and you may find that some of the questions are even repetitive. However, you should never leave any fields blank. You should not write “N/A” in any of the answer fields, either. In the event that you have questions about how to complete the application, you can always enlist the help of a legal professional.
You can discuss your situation with experienced Social Security lawyers in San Antonio. They can then help you complete the application form and collect the documentation you need. Submitting an incomplete application form can only result in delaying the benefits that you need following your cancer diagnosis.
