If you’re fighting cancer, your symptoms, treatments, or both, can make it impossible to continue working. Then there’s the added pressure of paying for rent, food, and other necessities. However, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for cancer can help stabilize you financially.
If you’re dealing with cancer, need financial relief, and are considering applying for disability benefits, our disability law firm can help. Our Greenville Social Security Disability lawyers have helped thousands secure millions in benefits. Call us today for compassionate legal advice.
Living with a Cancer Diagnosis
Living with cancer is often accompanied by considerable medical expenses, ongoing treatments, and the need for additional support. In such circumstances, Social Security benefits can provide a lifeline for individuals battling cancer. In addition, the Medicare coverage that comes with disability benefits can help you get the treatment you need.
The availability of Social Security benefits ensures access to necessary healthcare, medications, and supportive services. The program eases the burden of the disease and enables individuals to focus on their well-being and recovery.
Our law firm is dedicated to helping people like you get financial help. We can help you avoid making mistakes in your disability claim. Also, our legal team knows how to present your case to Social Security to convey your personal experiences and hardships.
For a free legal consultation with a cancer lawyer serving Greenville, call 864-235-0234
Cancer Variables that May Qualify You for Disability Benefits in Greenville, SC
While cancer is the most common medical condition for which people file Social Security claims, a diagnosis does not guarantee you will qualify for benefits.
Cancer is included on Social Security’s official list of qualifying impairments, which provides guidelines on how to earn monthly benefits. For example, you must provide documented medical evidence that your cancer is expected to keep you from working (at your old job or any job) for a year or more.
No two people are alike, and no two cancer cases are alike. How you feel, which treatments you’re prescribed, and how much your ability to work is limited are based on numerous variables.
Your Overall Health and Physical Condition
When evaluating disability claims, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers how your cancer and treatments affect your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Factors such as treatment side effects, physical limitations, and the overall impact of the disease on your functional abilities are considered.
If cancer and its treatments prevent you from performing substantial work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. However, it is essential to provide comprehensive medical documentation and evidence that demonstrate the extent of your limitations and their impact on your ability to work.
A Social Security Disability attorney in Greenville, SC, can help ensure your claim accurately reflects your overall health and physical condition, increasing your chances of accessing benefits.
Type of Cancer
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the most commonly diagnosed cancers are breast, prostate, lung, bladder, and melanoma.
Certain aggressive cancers may qualify you for benefits much more quickly, including but not limited to esophageal cancer, gallbladder cancer, brain cancer, and inflammatory breast cancer.
Cancer Stage
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates disability claims based on a set of criteria outlined in the Blue Book, which includes specific guidelines for various types and stages of cancer. Generally, the higher the cancer stage, the more likely it is to meet the criteria for disability benefits.
The stages of cancer are:
- Stage 0: The cancer has not spread, is often curable, and tumors are often completely removed in surgery
- Stage I: The cancer has not spread into nearby tissues.
- Stages II and III: The cancer has spread into nearby tissue.
- Stage IV: Known as advanced or metastatic cancer, it has spread to other parts of the body.
Type of Treatment
Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy. Treatment is highly individualized, with significant variations within each type. For example, there are seven different types of chemotherapy.
Some people can work through specific forms of therapy, such as those who work between radiation treatments. However, working more than the amounts established by Social Security could disqualify you from benefits.
A Carolina Social Security disability attorney from our firm can help determine whether you’re eligible for cancer symptom or treatment disability benefits. We will guide you through the disability benefits application process and address any concerns you may have. We’ve been helping people in South Carolina win disability benefits for over 35 years.
Greenville Cancer Lawyer Near Me 864-235-0234
When Your Medical Condition Is Urgent: How to Get a “Compassionate Allowance”
After you are approved, it can take several months to get Social Security Disability benefits. However, certain factors can help your case qualify for expedited processing. Social Security has a “Compassionate Allowance” list of specific types of cancer that qualify for faster approval.
To get a Compassionate Allowance, your cancer must meet one of these requirements:
- The cancer has spread.
- The cancer is inoperable.
- The cancer recurs despite treatment.
You don’t have to request a Compassionate Allowance. If you qualify, your application for benefits will automatically be flagged. However, you want your forms and documents to show Social Security your situation clearly so your disability lawyer can make sure nothing gets overlooked.
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You Can Appeal Denied Social Security Disability Claims for Cancer
The truth is, Social Security denies most applications for disability benefits. However, if your initial claim was denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process provides an opportunity to present additional evidence, clarify any misunderstandings, and highlight the true impact of the disease on your ability to work.
It involves submitting a request for reconsideration and, if necessary, proceeding to a hearing before an administrative law judge. Comprehensive medical documentation, expert opinions, and other relevant evidence can help strengthen your case. Working with a Greenville Social Security disability attorney who is experienced in SSDI cancer appeals can significantly improve your chances of success.
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Pilzer Klein Can Help You Get Social Security Disability Benefits for Cancer in Greenville, SC
If you have cancer and can’t work, our Social Security Disability lawyers can help you. Call us if you live in Greenville, Asheville, Spartanburg, Anderson, or anywhere in upstate South Carolina or western North Carolina. We will answer your questions and work to get financial assistance so you can focus on your family and friends rather than bills and money.
At Pilzer Klein, we have a long history of success with disability cases. We have over 50 years of combined experience helping people receive the resources they need for a better life.
Contact our legal team today to schedule a free initial consultation. Social Security Disability Is All We Do.
Call or text 864-235-0234 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
