Whether it is leukemia, breast cancer, colon cancer or any other type of cancer, it is no surprise that this disease can take a significant toll on a person’s health, sometimes even leading to death. And, it is not an entirely uncommon disease. In fact, this year over one million individuals worldwide will battle cancer. This means that people in Alabama may know someone with cancer or may even suffer from cancer during their lifetime.
National Cancer Survivors Day was June 4, and the U.S. Social Security Administration recognizes that cancer is a serious disease. The SSA encourages people across the nation to have regular checkups to detect cancer. The SSA also aims to increase awareness of the disease and it aims to recognize those who have survived cancer, or who are still battling cancer. For all these reasons, if the right requirements are met, cancer patients may be able to seek Social Security disability benefits for illness and may even qualify for the Compassionate Allowances program.
Through the Compassionate Allowance program, a person’s application for disability benefits is expedited, due to the fact that the SSA recognizes that the person’s illness is so severe that it is likely they will qualify for benefits. Many types of cancer are included on the listing of illnesses eligible for the Compassionate Allowances program. Those applying for disability benefits do not need to do anything extra to be considered for the Compassionate Allowances program.
Researchers worldwide are actively seeking a cure for cancer, but until then it remains to be a disabling disease for many. Social Security disability benefits can help a person financially should they be unable to work while they battle cancer. To learn more about applying for disability benefits or about the Compassionate Allowances program it may help to consult an attorney.
Source: Santa Maria Times, “Inside Social Security: Administration supports battle against cancer,” Essie L. Landry, June 20, 2017