Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the US and globally. According to the trusted American Cancer Society, approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases were reported in 2022, with hundreds of thousands losing their battle with this disease.
Few of those struggling with this disease realize that Social Security supports those fighting cancer. Not only does Social Security encourage regular checkups for early detection, but it also provides cancer disability benefits for those with the disease.
However, determining eligibility can be difficult, which is why it’s usually best to speak with an SSDI attorney who has experience helping cancer patients obtain the benefits they need to cover financial strain and disease-related costs. In this blog, the Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz team has detailed everything you need to know about cancer disability benefits.
To receive cancer disability benefits, you must qualify according to the SSA’s ‘Blue Book’ under section 13.00. When you file an application alone or with the help of a lawyer, the SSA will consult this Blue Book to approve or deny your disability claim.
Usually, if your cancer diagnosis meets or exceeds the criteria under the 13.00 impairment listing, you’ll qualify for SSDI. In addition to meeting or equaling the impairments under the 13.00 listing, you will need to prove that your disability (cancer) is expected to last longer than 12 months or result in your death.
According to our findings at the firm, most cancer patients who qualified for SSDI benefits fell under one of the following:
Should your cancer diagnosis fall into any of the above categories, it might be time to consult a lawyer who can help you receive cancer disability benefits.
Claiming cancer disability benefits can be tricky. This is because, according to the SSA, cancer-related disabilities fall under the three-year rule.
Based on this three-year rule guideline, those who have successfully treated their cancer with no evidence of a recurrence for three or more years are no longer eligible for cancer disability benefits.
However, if you are awarded cancer disability benefits, you’re guaranteed to be considered disabled for three years if your cancer is likely to last longer than a year. This means you can continue to claim cancer disability benefits even after entering remission.
Some cancers are deemed more aggressive than others, and the SSA realizes the importance of giving those with an aggressive form of cancer a faster pathway to obtaining benefits.
This pathway presents itself in the form of the Compassionate Allowances program. This program streamlines and hastens the disability review process for eligible individuals.
Below, we have shared a few of the recognized cancers that automatically qualify for benefit payment:
If you have any of these aggressive forms of cancer, you might qualify for the Compassionate Allowance program, and our firm can help you with the application process.
Filing for cancer disability benefits can be an incredibly challenging process, especially if you’re coming to terms with your diagnosis.
Luckily, an Ohio SSDI benefits attorney from the Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz law firm can help you with filing for cancer disability benefits or appealing your case. Simply contact us here, and we will be in touch to arrange an obligation-free consultation to discuss your options.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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