You can get Social Security Disability for cancer if your condition prevents you from working. The SSA fast-tracks some aggressive cancers under the Compassionate Allowances program, while others require medical evidence showing severe limitations.
Depending on your work history and income, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Both programs follow the same medical rules for cancer-related disabilities.
If you’re fighting cancer in Chicago, disability benefits can provide monthly income to help you focus on treatment instead of lost wages and medical bills.
The SSA has strict rules about when cancer qualifies for benefits. They want proof in the form of medical records and evidence that your condition keeps you from working. That’s where Ankin Law comes in.
Call Ankin Law at (872) 529-9377 today. Our Chicago Social Security Disability lawyers know how to build winning claims and fight the denials.
How to Get Social Security Disability for Cancer in Chicago
There are several things you need to demonstrate to show that you qualify for SSDI for cancer in Chicago. Not all cancers automatically qualify you for disability, and there are certain criteria that need to be met in order for you to qualify.
You must show the SSA that:
- Your cancer is severe enough to limit your ability to work.
- Treatment side effects (chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries) prevent you from maintaining employment.
- You meet the financial requirements (for SSI) or have sufficient work history (for SSDI).
Some late-stage or recurring cancers qualify automatically. Others require strong documentation from doctors, hospitals, and oncologists. That’s where legal help makes the difference.
Cancers That Often Qualify for Benefits
Any cancer can qualify for benefits, if the conditions are severe enough, with some even qualifying for immediate approval. Cancers that are inoperable, late stage, recurrent, or that have spread to other organs may qualify.
The SSA’s Blue Book lists cancers and conditions that may qualify for immediate approval, including:
- Stage IV cancers of almost any type
- Lung, pancreatic, esophageal, and liver cancers
- Leukemia and lymphoma
- Brain and spinal cancers
- Cancers that return after remission
Even if your cancer isn’t listed, you may qualify if the illness or its treatment causes serious functional limitations, such as chronic infections, extreme fatigue, or cognitive issues.
Why So Many Cancer Claims Are Denied
Here’s the reality: 69% of disability applications are denied at the initial stage nationwide. Even for cancer patients, denials happen because:
- Missing or incomplete medical records
- SSA reviewers underestimating treatment side effects
- Technical mistakes in applications
In Chicago, this means families already dealing with cancer often end up waiting months, or years, for benefits they should have received up front. At Ankin Law, we don’t let bureaucrats delay justice.
The Application Process for Cancer Disability Claims
To apply for SSD benefits for cancer, you need to file a claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA) with supporting documentation of your diagnosis and the way it affects your life. Make sure your application is as thorough and accurate as possible, as this can increase your chances of receiving benefits.
Getting SSD benefits for cancer involves multiple steps:
- Gather Evidence – Gather your medical records, proof of employment, and any other supporting documentation you may need. A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you determine what documents you may need.
- File the Application – Submit your work history, medical documentation, and doctor reports.
- Initial Review – The SSA reviews your file. Many people are denied at this stage.
- Reconsideration – If denied, you can submit new evidence and request a review.
- Hearing Before a Judge – This is where having a lawyer is critical. We argue your case directly.
- Appeals – If necessary, we take it to the Appeals Council or federal court.
If approved, you typically begin to receive benefits six months after the date the SSA finds that your disability began. Additionally, if you’ve received SSDI for two years, you become eligible for Medicare.
Our team handles the heavy lifting, so you can focus on treatment and recovery. Call Ankin Law today and get the help you need to succeed in your claim.
FAQs About Getting Social Security Disability for Cancer
How Long Does it Take to Get Benefits for Cancer?
If your cancer qualifies under the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program, approval can come in weeks. Otherwise, it may take several months or longer if appeals are required.
Can I Work Part-Time and Still Get Benefits?
You can still work while getting benefits, however, your income must be below the “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) limit. Substantial gainful activity is a term used to describe work that is “substantially gainful” for individuals applying for or receiving benefits.
Do I Automatically Qualify if I Have Cancer?
You do not automatically qualify for SSD if you have cancer. Your cancer must meet specific criteria, which are outlined in the SSA’s blue book, or you’ll need to prove that your condition prevents you from working or severely limits your ability to work.
Get Chicago’s Disability Lawyers Who Fight for Cancer Patients
Cancer already takes enough from you. Don’t let the SSA pile on stress and denials. At Ankin Law, we’ve helped countless Chicago cancer patients and their families secure the benefits they need to stay afloat.
Call Ankin Law at (872) 529-9377 today.
