Cancer and Social Security Disability (SSDI)

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Cancer is one of the most common diseases to afflict Americans. The American Cancer Society reports that there will be an estimated 1,665,540 new cancer cases diagnosed and 585,720 cancer deaths across the U.S. in 2014 and it is fair to assume that these numbers have risen over the last 6 years.

This pervasive disease remains a serious problem for many Americans, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes it as such, allowing applicants to apply for cancer disability benefits if they are unable to work.

Some individuals may have a short recovery period, while others may suffer for months or years as a result of their cancer. Because there is substantial variation in the type of cancer, the SSA will take a broad range of factors into consideration when determining benefits.

You should contact the skilled, Knoxville-based disability attorneys at the Disability Advantage Group, for immediate assistance.

Different Types Of Cancer

Certain types of serious cancer – metastatic brain cancer, pancreatic cancer, mesothelioma or inflammatory breast cancer or any type of inoperable cancer – are severe and the SSA will often approve an individual for benefits with a basic diagnosis. The types are endless skin cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma an more.

Like other conditions, a basic determination will be based on whether an individual has worked, is currently unable to work, or how long he or she will be incapacitated for so with some cancers the down time could be less than 12 months thus making an individual not qualified for SSDI. Additionally, an applicant will have to demonstrate that he or she is incapacitated in such a way that he or she cannot perform normal job functions.

Most common types of Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020 (1). The most common in 2020 (in terms of new cases of cancer) were according to the World Health Organization, (WHO):

breast (2.26 million cases);
lung (2.21 million cases);
colon and rectum (1.93 million cases);
prostate (1.41 million cases);
skin (non-melanoma) (1.20 million cases); and
stomach (1.09 million cases).
The most common causes of cancer death in 2020 were:

lung (1.80 million deaths);
colon and rectum (935 000 deaths);
liver (830 000 deaths);
stomach (769 000 deaths); and
breast (685 000 deaths).
Compassionate Allowances

In some cases, a claim may be expedited using a compassionate allowances clause. For certain forms of malignant cancer, and other serious conditions where there is clear, overwhelming evidence that an applicant is unable to work, he or she may apply for a compassionate allowance.

A compassionate allowance is not a separate program from the SSDI program and is administered by the SSA in much the same way as other benefits. A lawyer can lay out the facts of your case and give you a better idea of your chances of receiving benefits.

Call Betz and Baril to schedule a free consultation. Call 865-888-8888 to get the assistance you need.