Georgia residents who receive a diagnosis of cancer will have a great deal going through their minds as they prepare for treatment and hope that it will be effective. They will consider their families, their future and, inevitably, their finances. Some may find that they cannot work because of the disease and need to remain home while they are being treated. This can be a financial hardship. Fortunately, there are Social Security disability programs that can help. However, there are important requirements with qualifying SSD benefits for illness. With cancer, one of the factors that is considered is the anticancer therapy and its effects on the person. Knowing how this is assessed is critical to being approved for SSD.
The decision on whether to approve benefits often hinges on the therapy and its effectiveness with the cancer persisting, progressing or recurring. There are, however, circumstances under which the Social Security Administration can decide on a claim due to the evidence available in the record. Cases are decided on their own merits because the effects of therapy can vary. The SSA needs descriptions of the therapy including: what drugs were provided; the dosage; how often it is given; what the plans are in the future; if surgery was needed and its extent; and the schedule for radiation and its fields.
Complications will also be important. The SSA needs to know if there are: gastrointestinal issues after treatment; persistent weakness; neurological problems; cardiovascular problems; and reactive medical issues. There can be changes to the effects of the therapy. There must be sufficient time for the SSA to determine the effect because, often, the aftereffects of the treatment are temporary. In some instances, the person might be disabled from the treatment and it can last for a minimum of 12 months. This can be enough to meet the 12-month requirement for SSD.
The treatment’s effectiveness, if more treatment is needed, and the duration for which the person will be suffering from adverse effects from the therapy are all vital aspects of a claim when seeking SSD benefits for cancer therapy. To have a firm grasp on all these factors and assistance in applying for and getting Social Security disability benefits for illness, having legal advice is key. Calling for help is a wise step to seek SSD benefits and avoid a denied claim when suffering from cancer.
