Does My Cancer Diagnosis Qualify Me for Social Security Disability?
If you can’t work, Social Security recognizes many forms of cancer as eligible for disability benefits.
A constant problem, however, is that cancers take many forms and range widely in severity. That can really complicate your case.
The fact that the process takes a long time adds another layer of worry, especially when your diagnosis is life-threatening.
To its credit, Social Security thought of that. If your cancer is aggressive, you may be eligible for what’s called a “compassionate allowance,” which speeds up your case.
This path to benefits is much faster than the usual application process. It works when you can show your condition is obviously severe enough to warrant getting benefits.
Social Security rightly considers many forms of cancer as eligible for compassionate allowances. Some cancers that may be eligible include:
- Acute Leukemia
- Adrenal Cancer
- Angiosarcoma
- Brain Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Certain Lymphomas
- Skin Cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Fibrolamellar Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gallbladder Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Kidney Cancer
- Intestinal Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Bone Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Salivary Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
Cancer of any sort can be eligible for benefits. But you must prove your condition won’t let you work. That requires showing Social Security that:
- Your medical condition is highly limiting.
- You cannot participate in what Social Security deems “substantial gainful activity” that earns you a minimum livable wage.
- Your condition will last a year or more.
Troutman & Troutman’s Oklahoma disability lawyers can help answer your questions about your condition and eligibility.
There’s no fee to talk with us. Give us a call and get started on a path to a better, more secure life.
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How Do I Prove My Cancer Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits would be easy if they just took your word for it that you can’t work because of health problems.
But they don’t. They won’t even automatically accept what your doctor says. You have to take the time to build your case.
That requires understanding and documenting the demands of your job—and any other job you may be qualified to do.
Then you must put together your medical history. You’ll need to describe your cancer symptoms and the impacts of cancer treatment you’re undergoing. Gather your medical records and other information that show:
- Your diagnosis
- Results of biopsies
- Your medications
- Surgeries
- Radiation treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Side effects from treatment
- Testimony from others about how cancer has impacted your life
To determine whether your cancer is eligible, Social Security will look at where the disease started, how advanced it is, how often you undergo therapy, how you respond to it, and any residual impacts that undermine your ability to work.
Your doctor will be an important ally in this process.
So is a skilled disability lawyer. Gathering all this evidence is a major task. It also takes some serious thought to tell your story in a way that convinces Social Security.
Don’t do it alone.
If you live in Oklahoma, get help from Troutman & Troutman. We know what people facing cancer need to get Social Security Disability benefits.
Let us handle the ins and outs of the application process so you can move on with your life.
Contact Us Today! »Wherever You Are in the Disability Benefits Process, We Can Help
You may be trying to determine if Social Security Disability benefits are right for you. You may be facing a long, complicated benefits application. Or maybe you’ve applied and been denied. Now what? The Troutman & Troutman Oklahoma disability attorneys can help.
Disability Attorneys Answer Your Questions about Social Security
Your life has been disrupted by health problems. You’ve had to leave work. You’re worried about money. Social Security Disability benefits can provide relief, but they’re complicated. You’ve got a lot of questions. The Troutman & Troutman Tulsa disability lawyers have answers.
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