There are dozens of forms of cancer, and each one produces unique symptoms. Depending on the age and medical condition of the person who received the diagnosis, treatment might range from surgery to radiation and chemotherapy. Some people may also receive immunotherapy treatments that help their body fight the cancer more effectively.
At least when it comes to chemotherapy and radiation, the side effects of treatment can be as debilitating as the disease itself. It can be nearly impossible for some people to return to work while fighting cancer. If you recently received a diagnosis of cancer and require aggressive treatment, could you potentially qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Yes, cancer can qualify someone for benefits
Cancers are among the many qualifying conditions for SSDI benefits. Given that cancers require diverse treatments that affect the body differently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will generally have to closely review each application citing cancer as the qualifying condition.
They will need to look at the current impact of the cancer and how the treatment might affect someone’s ability to work or care for themselves. The more aggressive the cancer and the more debilitating its treatment, the more likely it is that the SSA will approve a claim for benefits.
In fact, some individuals with particularly severe forms of cancer might even qualify for Compassionate Allowances that allow them to receive their benefits more quickly than the typical applicant would.
Documentation is everything when it comes to variable conditions
Demonstrating the impact of the cancer and your treatment is an important part of securing SSDI benefits. Even though the SSA does approve applicants based on a cancer diagnosis, you should never assume that it will be a quick and simple process. Getting help early on can increase your chances of success and of avoiding a denial that will require extensive waiting.
Stress is bad for the body in the best of times, but when your body is already fighting off cancer, the stress that can come from a denied application can make life that much more difficult. Talking about your situation with an attorney familiar with SSDI applications can help ensure that you have the documentation and paperwork you need to secure the benefits you require during your battle against cancer.
