Social Security Disability for Cancer Lawyer

Receiving the news that you have cancer can be devastating and cause you to worry about how you will support yourself in the aftermath of your cancer diagnosis. Our Social Security disability lawyers are here for you after you receive the news and can help you determine if you qualify for social security disability benefits.

We’ll help fill out your application and advocate for you as we go through the disability benefits process together. We’re ready to help you get the benefits you qualify for.

Why Does Cancer Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Cancer qualifies for Social Security disability for a number of reasons. As a medical condition, it meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability because:

• It can prevent you from working using your physical and mental strength.
• It could make you unable to continue working or adjust to a new job.
• It could last for more than a year or result in death.

Any type of cancer that is Stage IV or terminal will automatically qualify you for social security disability insurance (SSDI) as long as you meet the other requirements to qualify for social security disability.

Which Cancers Qualify for Social Security Disability?

If your cancer is less than Stage IV or not terminal, there are specific types that still qualify for benefits. The following types of cancer qualify for Social Security disability benefits:

• Esophageal cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Brain cancer
• Inflammatory breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Salivary cancer
• Sinonasal cancer
• Small cells cancers
• Thyroid cancer

If your cancer diagnosis isn’t listed, there are additional cancers that could qualify for the benefits you need. By meeting with a social security disability attorney, you can figure out if your specific cancer qualifies.

What You Need to Do to Qualify for SSDI

To be eligible to qualify for social security disability benefits for cancer, you’ll need to make sure you meet the four requirements in addition to receiving your diagnosis. You must:

Prove You Are Unable to Work

The Administration bases your ability to work on a concept called substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA means that you perform physical and mental actions for a profit or a job intended for profit. To be eligible for social security benefits, however, you must not be able to engage in SGA.

To prove this, a Social Security disability lawyer can gather evidence that shows you cannot perform normal work actions. We can prove that you can’t perform actions such as:

• Standing for periods of time
• Bending and climbing stairs
• Utilizing critical thinking skills
• Performing calculations

Provide a Work History

To qualify for benefits, you must provide proof of your work history and that you’ve worked in jobs covered by social security for a period that correlates to your age. The SSA measures your work history in work credits and, depending on your age, you’ll need a specific amount to be eligible for social security disability.

The SSA’s benefits planner is a good resource for finding out exactly how many work credits you need to get disability benefits for cancer. If you have any questions, we can answer them in a free consultation.

Provide Medical Evidence

Providing medical evidence of your diagnosis is one of the most important aspects of qualifying for disability. When the SSA looks at your application, they’re looking for clear proof showing you have cancer and need benefits.

To prove this, you’ll need detailed medical evidence. Common evidence cancer applicants have to submit for disability benefits include:

• Paperwork showing you sought consistent medical care
• Test results
• Biopsy reports
• Letters or visit summaries from your doctor
• Copies of prescriptions you’re taking

Show a Financial Need

The final thing you’ll need to do is to show that you need financial assistance by proving that you don’t exceed the income limit for disability. In 2023, your income cannot exceed $1,470 in gross income, the amount of money you are “paid” before taxes come out. Net income is the money you receive in your bank account.

So, if you make more than $1,470 in gross income, we won’t be able to help you and you don’t qualify for disability benefits. The income limit for SSDI changes with the economy each year, so check the SGA amount if you plan to apply in the future.

How Can a Disability Benefits Lawyer Help?

You could apply for Social Security disability for cancer on your own, but seeking the help of a disability attorney from our firm can make everything from researching qualifications to the application process much easier. Here are just a few ways our team can advocate for you:

Gather Medical Evidence

When you come to us for help qualifying for disability benefits, you don’t have to worry about the stress of collecting all the relevant medical evidence. Our team will handle this task while you relax and get medical treatment.

Having a Social Security disability attorney gather evidence for you provides you with security that there won’t be any errors in your application, giving you a higher chance of approval.

Determine if You Qualify for Benefits

If you are curious or doubting if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance after getting a diagnosis, our team of Social Security disability attorneys can help clear up any confusion. We’ll review your case and identify any mistakes on your application.

Disability is the only law we practice, so we have a quick eye to catch anything that might cause you to be denied benefits. If we see any red flags on your application, we’ll help you correct them so you can get approved for benefits to afford your treatment and daily expenses.

Lower Evidence Collection Costs

When you have potentially years of chemo or testing ahead of you, the last thing you want to have to worry about is money. Our team understands the financial burden you face. We’re here to help relieve some of the stress associated with your SSDI application.

Usually, collecting or requesting medical records for procedures, surgeries, and test results, has a flat fee you have to pay. And with the quantity of evidence you need to build a strong initial disability application, the costs can add up quickly.

What Is a Compassionate Allowance and How Do You Get it?

Typically, after applying for SSDI, it takes a long time to hear back because of the large volume of applications. However, when you have a serious disability, the SSA employs what is called the “Compassionate Allowance” program. This program speeds up the process using high-tech software to determine if you qualify for Social Security disability.

The Compassionate Allowance program allows you to get a determination on your application faster due to your serious disease. Another benefit is that you’ll apply as usual and won’t have to do extra paperwork. And because you have a serious condition, there’s a lower chance of the SSA requesting additional documents.

Several types of cancers qualify for a Compassionate Allowance. A Social Security disability lawyer can help determine if you could qualify for the program.

Reach Out to a Social Security Disability Lawyer to See if You Qualify

We’ve discussed the requirements necessary to qualify for Social Security disability for cancer. Now it’s time to get in touch with our team at Pilzer Klein. We’ll help you figure out if you qualify and take the next steps to get your benefits if you do.

Call us or fill out the contact form on our website today for a free case consultation.