Social Security Disability Benefits for Cancer Patients
The American Cancer Society reports that there are around 15 million people currently living with cancer in the US, and an additional 1.8 million new cases will be diagnosed by the end of 2020. It is also estimated that around 40 percent of people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetimes. Still, even with these figures in mind, it can come as a devastating shock to learn from your health care provider that you have cancer. Your prognosis and treatment will depend on numerous variables, but one thing is certain: A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on almost every aspect of your life.
If your experience with cancer care renders you unable to work, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can help ease the financial implications while you recover. An experienced Maryland Social Security disability lawyer is your trusted legal resource for handling the specifics, but some general information may be helpful.
SSDI Benefits During Cancer Treatment: For some individuals with cancer, the treatment and care plan can be just as debilitating as the disease itself. Depending on the type, stage, and your overall state of health, your oncologist may use a variety of invasive and extreme treatments. Radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and many others have considerable side effects because the goal to kill cancerous cells affects your entire body. You could suffer drastic weight changes, appetite loss, compromised immune system, general weakness, trouble sleeping, and many other complications.
The side effects of treatment, when combined with your symptoms, could prevent you from working or impact your ability to perform certain job-related tasks. If you qualify, you could receive benefits through the SSDI program to replace lost income.
SSDI Application Process: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has enacted strict eligibility rules for the SSDI program, but they basically center on two key issues.
- Medical Requirements: You must suffer from a disabling medical condition that renders you unable to work or significantly limits the work you can perform. Plus, your health issue must be expected to last for at least 12 months. In some cases, your cancer may meet the medical qualification because it appears on the Listing of Impairments, a.k.a. SSA’s Blue Book. You may also be eligible for the Compassionate Allowances program, which expedites the application process so you can obtain benefits faster.
- Work History: SSDI is a type of insurance but, instead of paying premiums directly, you contribute through mandatory deductions from your paycheck. Therefore, you must have worked for a designated amount of time in recent years, during which you would have accumulated work credits. When you have a sufficient number of credits, you meet the work history requirement.
Our Maryland Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Advise You on SSDI Benefits
When you desperately need SSDI benefits to ease the financial hardships of a cancer diagnosis, you can turn to our skilled Maryland Social Security disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Steinhardt, Siskind and Lieberman, LLC. For additional information, please contact our offices to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/cancer-facts-figures-2020.html
https://www.steinhardtlawfirm.com/when-do-i-qualify-for-medicare-after-being-approved-for-ssdi/
