Seeking financial assistance after a cancer diagnosis

When you learn that you have cancer, uncertainty is one of the ruling factors in your life. You might wonder how you are going to make ends meet if you are unable to continue working. In some cases, the answer to that problem is by applying for Social Security Disability Income.

Many cancer diagnoses are eligible for SSDI. In fact, some types of cancers, such as esophageal cancer, Ewing sarcoma, pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, thyroid cancer and several other cancers are listed on the SSD Compassionate Allowance list. A person with a type of cancer on this list, as long as his or her condition meets any specified requirements, would likely be able to receive benefits more quickly than others who suffer from conditions not on the list.

One of the benefits of receiving SSDI is that you would qualify for Medicare 24 months after your qualifying date for SSDI. This means that you might get help for medical expenses.

Even if you haven’t worked, you might still be eligible to receive Supplem ental Security Income. In this case, you have to qualify for benefits based on a disabling condition and income limits. SSI also has a Compassionate Allowances list that allows people with certain cancers to receive benefits faster.

One point that is vital for anyone seeking SSDI or SSI benefits is that the initial application must be complete. If the initial application is declined, a timely appeal is necessary. This shows why seeking out help to ensure the application is properly completed is important.

For more on this topic, contact Martin Law and view the American Cancer Society’s page on the topic of cancer and SSD benefits.