Those facing a terminal diagnosis of cancer can apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Depending on your qualifications, you may be able to request a compassionate allowance, a process that allows for expedited evaluation and awarding of your benefits. There are several things to consider for this process. Be sure to speak with an Oklahoma City Social Security benefits attorney about your case.
Submit Documentation Quickly and Fully
To qualify for SSD benefits for terminal cancer, submit all medical documentation you can to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This includes:
- Diagnosis from a licensed medical practitioner
- Clear details about the type of cancer, including oncologist notes, imaging, and pathology reports
- Specific medical documentation that indicates it is an inoperable, recurrent, or Stage IV cancer
By filing this information right away, and specifically requesting a compassionate allowance, the SSA will act quickly to navigate your case. By notifying the SSA that your cancer is terminal, you will trigger the TERI process to expedite the review.
Make Sure You Have the Necessary Work Experience
The SSA will look at your work history to determine if you meet the necessary criteria. To qualify, you must have enough work credits, meaning you paid into the SSA by working overtime. This means you worked jobs covered by Social Security. Social Security work credits are based on total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to 4 credits per year.
The number of work credits you need to receive SSD benefits depends on your age at the time your disability begins. Most people need to have 40 work credits. Of those, 20 of them must be earned in the last 10 years ending the year the disability began. Younger workers may qualify with fewer work credits.
Meet the Definition of Disability
SSD does not pay benefits for partial disability or for short-term disability. With a terminal cancer diagnosis, you will need to show that at least one of the following applies:
- You cannot work at the substantial gainful activity level because of your medical condition.
- You cannot do the work you did prior to or adjust the work you did prior to accommodate your medical condition.
- Your condition is expected to last or result in death.
Your doctor’s medical details and the information you submit to the SSA will confirm this. Be open and honest. The SSA will verify all details.
How a Decision Is Made
For compassionate allowance matters, the SSA will review your information and process your claim faster. The same qualifications apply to a compassionate allowance, but the process of reviewing your eligibility is quicker.
You can apply with all of this information on the SSA website. However, this is a critical decision that impacts access to medical care and financial support at one of the most challenging times of your life. Working with an attorney may provide better support for you, including helping you determine if you qualify for a compassionate allowance and then seeking guidance along the way.
The SSA may ask questions and request clarification. They will verify every detail. Delays can make it challenging for you to get the SSD benefits you need. If you believe you qualify for SSD benefits for terminal cancer, do not wait to take action. It can still take weeks or longer to receive approval for your claim and to start receiving benefits.