Disability

Social Security Supports People Battling Cancer

June 4, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: June 4, 2018

woman hugging younger girlIn 2018, more than a million people will be diagnosed with cancer around the world. This alarming statistic affects people and families everywhere. On June 3, 2018, we observed National Cancer Survivors Day in the United States. In support of this day, Social Security encourages getting checkups to provide early detection, raise awareness through education, and recognize the survivors who have gone through this battle or are still living with the disease.

Social Security supports people who are fighting cancer. We offer support to patients dealing with this disease through our disability program. People with certain cancers may be eligible for a Compassionate Allowance. Compassionate Allowances are cases where individuals have medical conditions so severe they obviously meet Social Security’s disability standards, allowing us to process the cases quickly with minimal medical information.

There’s no special application or form you need to submit for Compassionate Allowances. Simply apply for disability benefits using the standard Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application. Once we identify you as having a Compassionate Allowance condition, we’ll expedite your disability application.

Social Security establishes Compassionate Allowance conditions using information received at public outreach hearings, from the Social Security and Disability Determination Services communities, from medical and scientific experts, and from data based on our research. Visit our Compassionate Allowances website for more information, including the list of eligible conditions.

Some illnesses are more disabling than others and Social Security tries to treat everyone with equal compassion relative to their condition. If you think you qualify for disability benefits based on a Compassionate Allowances condition, please visit our website to apply for benefits.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Tom A.

    I am 60, still working and have been recently diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. Can I collect something from SSA after all that I put in?

    • V.V.

      Hi Tom, thanks for using our blog to ask your question.

      We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

      * You cannot do work that you did before;
      * We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
      * Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

      If you have enough work to qualify for disability benefits, we use a step-by-step process involving five questions. The first one is “Are You Working?”. If you are working in 2021 and your earnings average more than $1,310 a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled. We hope this information is helpful!

  2. theresa v.

    Hi iam theresa verginesa,i am only 34 when i diagnosed cervical cancer stage 3B at 2018 and my i started my sss 2009 and 2010 13months. The rest of the year i did not pay. Till 2020 i started to pay again.
    My question is can i apply for sickness/disability for that matter?
    i need to work because i am a single mother with 2kids.

    • V.V.

      Hi Theresa, thanks for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  3. Jeff

    My wife is disabled due to her cancer. She is not eligible for social security. Can she collect from my social security account? I am not eligible to collect because I am not old enough.

    • V.V.

      Hi Jeff, thanks for using our blog. Your wife may be eligible for spouse’s benefits if she is at least 62 years of age and you are receiving retirement or disability benefits. Check out our Benefits For Your Spouse web page for additional details.

  4. Myndie

    I have multiple degenerative disks in my back that makes it extremely painful to work and I am awaiting surgery (on hold due to Covid). I was also recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Will I qualify for SSI or SSDI?

    • K.O.

      Hi Myndie, thanks for using our blog. We are sorry to hear about your condition. As you rightfully noted, we pay disability benefits through two programs: the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. SSI is a needs-based program that provides cash assistance to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. Also, SSI benefits are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities, who meet the financial limits.

      When it comes to qualifying for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Income, or SSDI program, individuals must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which you have to earn within the last 10 years before you become disabled. Check out our Disability web page for more details. We hope this is helpful.

  5. Janet E.

    Is multiple myeloma be considered for CAL it is a blood Cancer. {lease let me know. so I may apply. thank you

    • K.T.

      Hi Janet. Thank you for your recommendation. The Social Security Act sets out a strict definition for disability. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. However, if a person believes they are disabled and meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability as soon as they become disabled. You may find our listing of impairments useful.

      The Compassionate Allowances program helps us identify and fast-track cases where people have diseases that are most likely to be approved for disability benefits. For a listing of Compassionate Allowances, check out our Compassionate Allowances Conditions web page.

      You can apply for disability benefits online. The online Application for Benefits also includes links to information that will help you complete the form. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  6. Hector

    I have cancer since August 10 can’t work I do collect SSDA but that’s it is there any form of help to collect any other outlets? Need assistance

    • V.V.

      We are sorry to hear about your disability, Hector. Your monthly Social Security disability (SSDI) benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. Thanks.

  7. James c.

    I am receiving social security benefits since I turned 62 but i have continued working and paying into the system. I have cancer and no longer able to work. can i apply fo additional benefits?

    • V.V.

      Hi James, thanks for using our blog. It depends on how old you are. When a person has reached their full retirement age (Currently 66) and is receiving Social Security retirement, they are no longer eligible for disability benefits. If you are under your full retirement age, you absolutely can apply for disability benefits.

      If you have additional questions or want to apply, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

    • Dave w.

      It’s January and I have received my diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma and I turned 62 this past year. I don’t know the process of going on disability as My car is also disabled. Covid is a even greater threat and lost my past 2 disabilities hearings with COPD, L-TB, HepC, pancreatitis, fussed spinal cord surgery and others.
      I’m about to apply for public assistance. Worked weekends as an advocate making min. Wg. No cure and uncertain the stage.

  8. Lucy D.

    Get any kind of help about for cash app, you can visit my website Cash App Service

  9. Olivia

    Help me

Comments are closed.