Receiving Disability Benefits for Cancer Treatment
Cancer is one of the most versatile, deadly, and widespread diseases in the world today. With roughly 1.7 million new cancer cases every year in the United States, it is no wonder that so much money is spent on treating this terrible ailment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recognized this and has thereby made cancer a major qualifying disability for benefits and there are even stipulations for its treatment to fall under a special category to receive extra benefits.
Not only is cancer a prominently common disease, but it is also one that requires a significant amount of treatment. Sometimes this is not the case, such as when it is caught very early on, but oftentimes chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments are draining as well. Therefore the SSA agrees that this is certainly a disability due to the physical and mental strain that it puts on individuals and families. In extreme cases, there is the Compassionate Allowance (CAL) program that also dispenses extra funds to cancer patients. These benefits are given only if cancer has spread beyond where it started, is inoperable, and is recurrent despite all treatment efforts.
Applying for and qualifying for extra cancer benefits through the Social Security program is not a difficult process, but it does require plenty of documentation. Firstly, notes from doctors’ offices and treatment centers much include a biopsy or surgical notes, results, imaging scans, and detailed descriptions of all treatment endured. In addition, there should be someone, medical professional or otherwise, to be able to witness to the daily struggles undergone by the individual who is in treatment for cancer.
Unfortunately, not everyone who applies for Social Security benefits, for cancer treatment or otherwise, will be accepted on the first try. If this happens, having an attorney help you through the appeals process and what you can do to finally see those benefits is an invaluable asset. To learn more about how the Franco Law Firm can help you earn your financial assistance through the Social Security system, please call us at (813) 872-0929.
