Can People with Cancer Qualify for SSD?
Being diagnosed with cancer can dramatically impact your life. Not only are you likely dealing with the physical trauma of your diagnosis, but a substantial emotional toll as well. Not to mention the financial implications that come with a cancer diagnosis.
When your medical condition is so severe that it prevents you from being able to work, you may be wondering whether you qualify for Social Security disability benefits. A reputable Social Security disability lawyer at Dansby Law Firm could help you access the benefits that you need to support yourself and your family as you deal with your cancer diagnosis. Schedule a free consultation by calling our office at 334-834-7001.
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security disability is a program that workers pay into every time they earn wages. These benefits are considered insured because they were taken out of your paycheck every week. These Social Security disability benefits can provide you with the financial support that you will need to continue to support yourself and your family while you are unable to earn a living.
But getting your claim for Social Security disability benefits approved may prove to be more of a challenge than previously thought. In order to start collecting benefits, you will need to meet the criteria requirements in place. What’s more, it is not uncommon for Social Security disability claims to be denied. This means that you should be prepared to go through lengthy appeals processes if you receive a denial letter.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be wondering whether Social Security disability benefits are an option for you while you are unable to work and in need of financial support. Every person‘s case is different. There are many different types of cancer, cancer stages, and prognosis. But if you meet the requirements for Social Security disability with a cancer diagnosis, then you may get your claim approved. Here’s more about these criteria.
Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you will need to have earned a certain number of work credits. Generally speaking, you must have earned forty work credits. Twenty of these work credits will need to have been earned over the last ten years. Every person has the opportunity to earn a maximum of four work credits per year, and the amount of money that you need to earn in order to earn one work credit changes every year. For 2021, for example, you will earn one work credit for every $1,470 you earn.
But that is not all. You will also need to have a qualifying disability. Any disability that prevents you from being able to earn a living in any line of work could be considered a qualifying disability. This means that if your cancer diagnosis is so severe that you are going to be unable to work in any type of job, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
However, if you are currently still able to earn a living and are in remission from your cancer diagnosis, it is less likely that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be willing to approve your claim for Social Security disability benefits.
Get Help from a Social Security Disability Attorney Today
If you were recently diagnosed with cancer and are unable to work, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits. But the requirements for SSDI are strict. Do not be surprised if you initially receive a denial.
An experienced Social Security disability lawyer at Dansby Law Firm can analyze your case and help you through the appeals process if your cancer diagnosis means you qualify for benefits. Our firm proudly offers free, no-obligation consultations to individuals with disabilities across the state of Alabama. Contact us today by completing our online contact form or calling our office at 334-834-7001.