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Disability Benefits for Cancer
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) has laid out criteria for which types of cancer, at which stages, automatically qualify for disability benefits through the SSI or SSDI programs. For those types of cancer that don't meet the criteria in the SSA's disability listings, the SSA will look at how the symptoms and treatment for that cancer limit the applicant's ability to work.
Overview
An overview of what you need to qualify for disability benefits for cancer.
Cancers that are aggressive, inoperable or unresectable, that have recurred after treatment, or that have metastasized are eligible for disability benefits.
Articles on Disability Due to Cancer
Several types of lung cancer automatically qualify for disability benefits.
Disability applicants who have breast cancer that has spread (metastasized) beyond a certain point, or is inoperable or recurrent, are eligible for benefits.
Social Security has specific criteria you must meet for your colon cancer to qualify for benefits.
Progressive, recurrent, or metastatic prostate cancer will automatically qualify for benefits.
Certain types of progressing uterine or ovarian cancer are automatically eligible for benefits.
Social Security grants disability for bladder cancer that has spread beyond the bladder; that is inoperable, recurrent, not resectable (fully removable); or that has caused functional limitations.
If you have kidney cancer that does not respond well to treatment, or complications from removal of a kidney, you should get disability benefits.
If your lymphoma doesn't respond well to initial treatment, you are likely to qualify for benefits.
Pancreatic carcinoma is automatically eligible for disability benefits.
Some types of leukemia will easily qualify for disability benefits.
If you have mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneum, or mediastinum, you should get automatic disability benefits.
Reader Questions on Cancer Disability
Any type of esophageal cancer qualifies for disability benefits through an expedited process.
It is easier to get disability for metastatic skin cancer, but if you have recurrent melanoma or complications from cancer surgery or treatment, you could get benefits.
Chemo alone will not qualify you for disability benefits, but if you have long-term side effects from chemo, or if this is your second round of chemo, you have a better chance of getting benefits.
Many forms of cancer are fast-tracked though the compasionate allowances program.
Some cancers aren't on the compassionate allowance list but will still qualify for benefits.
Books
Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability: Getting & Keeping Your Benefits
Nolo's book explains the criteria for getting disability benefits for every type of cancer, plus the evidence you'll need to provide to the SSA.
Nolo's book explains the criteria for getting disability benefits for every type of cancer, plus the evidence you'll need to provide to the SSA.
Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits
Nolo's book covers all of the benefits available to those dealing with chronic illnesses including disability benefits, survivors' benefits, and Medicare.
Nolo's book covers all of the benefits available to those dealing with chronic illnesses including disability benefits, survivors' benefits, and Medicare.
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