Can Cancer Patients Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Everyone wants to get a job, especially in an era when people are constantly improving their abilities and talents. Working and making a profit may no longer be possible for someone who is undergoing cancer treatment.

While medical advancements do not restrict cancer patients from working, delaying checkups and ignoring the initial cancer-like symptoms can worsen their health. Different stages of cancer can cause further health issues; this is why it may not always be predictable how well a person suffering with cancer will be able to manage daily tasks.

Even if you visit an oncologist during the early or middle phases of cancer, the likelihood is high that it will become debilitating owing to treatment side effects. It would be an understatement to describe how severe any form of cancer may be. So, one must ensure eligibility for benefits based on cancer.

A Disability Lawyer can help you go through the procedure. They can also make the entire process run smoothly. They can help you with the requirements of eligibility for benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for Meeting Cancer Listing

SSA uses a medical guide, better called the Blue Book, to determine whether a claimant qualifies for SSD benefits or not. For example, under section 13.00, you will find a listing of SSD benefits with specific cancers listed. The other listings are separated, and each kind of cancer has been defined separately.

The SSA will treat each type of cancer differently when assessing for benefits. To get approval for the SSD disability benefits with breast cancer, it must spread to the distant regions of one’s breast or some other part. However, to get approval for esophageal cancer, one will be approved for the SSD benefits automatically if you can give documentation confirming the diagnosis.

How can I use Medical-Vocational Allowances?

If you don’t qualify for the Blue Book listing, you may be eligible for medical-vocational benefits. This may be accomplished by considering your medical issues, age, education background, employment history, skills, restrictions, and apparent limitations. An RFC or residual functional capacity evaluation will be required.

The residual functional capacity (RFC) will indicate the things you can and cannot perform. It will lay out the restrictions, such as whether you are incapable of walking more than 1,000 feet. It may indicate that you can’t lift more than 5 pounds at a time. It could also indicate whether or not you can do steps to climb, bend, or squat.

The Social Security Administration will use your answers to these questions to determine whether you can work or qualify for disability benefits. If you want to explore your legal alternatives further, you may always contact a lawyer.

When to consult with an SSD attorney?

Cancer is a very common reason people file for SSD benefits. It is not always easy to obtain the benefits you need and deserve, but with the right guidance and support, it is possible to get the ball rolling in your favor.

If you are fighting cancer and can no longer work, do not hesitate to reach out to a Disability Attorney. They will provide you with the help and support you need to get through this process. They can help you file the correct paperwork, and they can be there to answer any questions you may have. Get in touch with an attorney today to get started on your claim for disability benefits for cancer.