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Seeking SSD after a cancer diagnosis

On Behalf of | Apr 28, 2023 | Social Security Disability

Every year, over one million people face a cancer diagnosis. While your journey may be personal, you do not have to take it alone. A cancer diagnosis can alter your entire life. It can impact your mental and physical health and, in some cases, have disabling consequences.

If you have a condition and cannot work or earn an income, then you may qualify for SSD. Under the Social Security Administration, some forms of cancer qualify for benefits.

Application process for SSD after cancer diagnosis

Start the application process as soon as possible. If you believe your diagnosis qualifies you for SSD benefits, you need to start the process quickly to receive your benefits promptly. The application process will require you to include medical evidence. Include all medical records that discuss your illness, the symptoms of your condition and your treatment.

Cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, can have severe symptoms that make it challenging to work in a substantially gainful capacity. You may automatically qualify for benefits if you have Stage IV cancer or a severe cancer diagnosis.

Compassionate allowances for serious illnesses like cancer

Compassionate allowances are the SSA’s way of identifying a qualifying condition quickly. Certain cancers do qualify for a compassionate allowance. One of the significant benefits of CALs is that it cuts down your waiting time. The SSA uses technology to identify potential Compassionate Allowances to make a decision quickly.

You do not have to fill out a particular application for a compassionate allowance. You fill out the regular SSD application and the SSA does the rest.