Social Security Disability
Many cancers along with their treatment are debilitating and may preclude employment. If you have been employed in the past, you may qualify for Social Security Disability even if you are under the age of 65. The process to file a claim requires completing a lengthy application and submitting all medical records.
If you have followed the procedures described in the Insurance section, you should have a complete file including doctor records, and all of your medical results. It is recommended you have a full medical records package to submit with your application. Because the Social Security Administration will request these records and will take no action until the records are received, it is in your best interest to take on the task of developing a complete medical file for each doctor.
Social Security will assist you in completing your application. However, many times, you may not have a complete package. If you have a computer, the application can be completed on line. This may be easier since it gives you sufficient time to collect the required information and can be completed at your convenience. It is a good idea to print each section as you complete it as you cannot go back to certain sections. The criteria for Social Security Disability should be reviewed carefully to make certain you qualify for the benefit. Many times cancer patients feel they can work; however, they find they cannot.
The majority of new Social Security Disability claims are denied; however during the appeals process many claims are approved. If your claim is denied, an attorney should be consulted to assist in perfecting the appeal. The attorney's fee for this assistance are capped under federal law
The process can take from six months to many years depending upon the information you provide to Social Security. The department will take on the burden of obtaining your information; however, your agent may be assigned many cases. Any information you can give them to assist in expediting the process will speed up your application.
Benefits will be paid once you are approved to the date you filed the application. While undergoing treatment, the last thing you will want to do is deal with the Social Security Administration. To the extent someone can assist you, it will remove a burden and permit you to concentrate on treatment and healing. You should verify any information contained herein with counsel or the Social Security Administration as the above is not a legal opinion and guidelines do change. For more information visit the web site www.ssa.gov/disability.