If you have cancer, you may wonder, “Is cancer a disability?” It might be if you meet the eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. The Oklahoma Social Security disability attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons stand ready to help you determine whether your cancer diagnosis potentially qualifies you for disability benefits and what you should do if you might be eligible.
Is Cancer Considered a Disability?
Yes, cancer is a medical condition often considered for disability under Social Security rules. People who have cancer understand the harsh effects of the disease and the difficult side effects of cancer treatment. For these reasons, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers many forms of cancer for disability, which means you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Cancer Conditions That Qualify for Accelerated Approval
If your cancer meets the SSA’s criteria for disability coverage, it is possible that your claim could also receive accelerated approval under the Compassionate Allowance program if it is severe enough. What types of cancer qualify for disability under the accelerated program? Some types of cancers that are eligible under the Compassionate Allowance conditions include:
- Liver cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Ovarian cancer with distant metastases (if inoperable or unresectable)
- Breast cancer with distant metastases (if inoperable or unresectable)
- Acute leukemia
- Lung cancer (small cell or non-small cell)
- Pancreatic cancer
- Small cell cancer, including the large intestine or prostate
Eligibility Criteria for Cancer Patients
To be eligible to receive disability benefits because of your cancer, you must demonstrate that your condition is disabling according to SSA’s rules. The rules for cancers that are considered for compassionate allowances require very specific findings in the treating medical records. However, even if your cancer does not qualify for a compassionate allowance, it is still possible to establish entitlement to disability benefits by showing your condition will likely prevent you from working for at least twelve months.
Tips When Applying for Disability with Cancer
Working with a disability lawyer is the best tip for people applying for disability benefits related to cancer, especially if the specific type of cancer isn’t listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. Our attorneys are ready to guide you through the disability application process, including determining whether your disability claim qualifies for the Compassionate Allowance program.
We will also coordinate with your doctor to obtain your medical records and other medical evidence. Our attorneys will review your records, confirm they are complete, and document all your symptoms. While you could take these steps yourself, retaining our lawyers to assist with pursuing the benefits you need can help you avoid critical mistakes and provide a better chance of getting the benefits you need sooner.
How Our Oklahoma Disability Attorneys Can Help
If you have cancer and are wondering if you can receive Social Security disability benefits, call the disability attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons. We will assist in all aspects of your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you secure the Social Security benefits and financial support you need.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
