Certain medical issues make it difficult for people to work. Illnesses can reduce people’s energy levels and make it more challenging than normal for them to handle physically- or mentally-demanding tasks. In some cases, the treatment required for an illness can also impact an individual’s ability to work.
Cancer is notorious for causing an assortment of challenging symptoms, including an overall reduction in energy and generalized pain. The treatments ordered for cancer may worsen an individual’s condition. Radiation and chemotherapy can both amplify the fatigue and pain already present because of the cancer. Most people dealing with cancer and undergoing treatment for cancer struggle to handle even basic daily living tasks. Continuing to work full-time may be too difficult for people in this challenging situation.
Can those undergoing treatment for cancer qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they cannot work?
Cancer can be a qualifying condition
There are dozens of different types of cancer. Every cancer case is unique when considering the baseline medical condition of the patient, the type of cancer and the stage to which it has already progressed.
People who cannot work at all for a year or longer because of a debilitating medical condition are sometimes eligible for SSDI benefits. Sometimes, cancer is a qualifying condition for SSDI benefits. A patient facing a terminal diagnosis may be eligible for SSDI benefits due to the severity of their illness. In some cases, they may even qualify for faster approval because of their prognosis.
Other times, patients who might respond to treatment could also be eligible for SSDI benefits. If their treatment and recovery may leave them unable to work for a year or longer, they may be eligible for SSDI benefits. A diagnosis of cancer does not automatically result in SSDI benefits approval.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews every cancer-based application on an individual basis. There is no guarantee of success based solely on diagnosis alone. However, those who cannot work because of cancer and who meet all of the qualifying criteria might be eligible for SSDI benefits after a cancer diagnosis.
Reviewing medical records with a skilled legal team can help people with cancer determine if applying for SSDI benefits makes sense given the circumstances. Having appropriate support could help those with cancer apply for SSDI benefits or appeal if the initial determination is not in their favor.