When you hear the life-altering words, “you have cancer,” there’s no doubt that your life is about to change in many ways. A cancer diagnosis may mean that you will find it difficult to continue working as you have while you are seeking treatment and battling your disease. You should never have to worry about how you will pay the bills when your health needs to be priority. Luckily, there are various types of cancer that qualify you immediately for social security disability (SSD) benefits.
Compassionate Allowances
Per the Social Security Administration (SSA), a variety of types of cancer fall within what is called “Compassionate Allowances.” Compassionate Allowances essentially help to prioritize certain medical conditions and diseases that automatically meet the requirements for SSD benefits.
Ordinarily, an application for SSD benefits can take a minimum of three to five months for an approval or denial to be made, plus another few months to see a payment if you are approved.
Therefore Compassionate Allowances are extremely helpful in that it greatly reduces the wait time for those suffering from more serious medical issues including various types of cancer, adult brain disorders, and other rare disorders. Those who suffer from conditions that fall within the category of Compassionate Allowance usually receive benefits much quicker than those whose conditions do not.
Cancers Under Compassionate Allowances
Compassionate Allowances are usually those conditions that either last for one year or may be terminal. There are 32 types of cancer that currently qualify under Compassionate Allowances. Some of these cancers include:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Liver cancer
- Certain types of breast cancer
- Certain types of bladder cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
In evaluating types of cancer, the SSA takes multiple factors into consideration:
- The origin of the cancer
- The extent of involvement of the cancer
- The length of time, frequency and effects of anticancer therapy
- Post-therapeutic effects
Anticancer Therapy
The impact of anticancer therapy differs greatly from person to person. Therefore the SSA requires the following information for assistance in its evaluation:
- Type and dosage of drug(s)
- Frequency and length of time to administer the drug(s)
- Surgical intervention
- Fields and schedule of radiation therapy
The SSA will take its time in evaluating all of this information to determine whether you will be able to engage in gainful activity for 12 months.
Additionally, the SSA applies different criteria to different cancers. The SSA requires medical evidence as to the type of cancer, the primary metastatic lesion, and the severity of the cancer. It’s also imperative that you include the pathology report and operative note for procedures. Those with recurrent or persistent cancers should provide medical reports of such, including how you have responded to treatment.
The Las Vegas SSD Attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC Can Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with a disability that prevents the ability to work, you may not know how to proceed. Fortunately, the attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC can help. We understand the impact that a disability can have on your physical, emotional, and financial health. That’s why it’s our mission to help you. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!