A cancer diagnosis changes everything. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, patients often face serious financial and employment challenges. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits and work support programs to help eligible individuals with cancer navigate this difficult period. This article will guide you through available resources, including how to apply for disability and how to transition back to work through SSA’s Ticket to Work program with the help of Disability Services of America.
Can You Get Disability Benefits for Cancer?
Yes. If your cancer significantly limits your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSA uses its Blue Book to determine whether your condition meets its medical eligibility criteria. Cancer listings are found under Section 13.00 and include many forms of cancer, such as:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Liver cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Brain cancer
Some cancers automatically qualify for disability under the Compassionate Allowances program, which expedites processing for severe conditions like certain late-stage or inoperable cancers.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits if You Have Cancer
If you’re not yet receiving disability benefits, here’s how to get started:
- Gather Your Medical Records
- Include pathology reports, biopsy results, imaging scans, treatment summaries, and doctor statements.
- Apply Online or Apply by Phone
- You can apply for SSDI or SSI online or by phone.
- Get Help with the Application
- Disability Services of America can assist with preparing and submitting your application. Our support ensures you meet SSA requirements and deadlines while building the strongest case possible.
- Understand the Timeline
- The process can take several months. However, Compassionate Allowances conditions may qualify for faster decisions, often within weeks.
Working with Cancer: The Role of the Ticket to Work Program
If you currently receive SSDI or SSI and are considering returning to work, the Ticket to Work program can help you do so safely and gradually.
- Key benefits of the program include:
- Free career counseling
- Resume and interview preparation
- Job training and placement assistance
- Ongoing support after employment
Participants work with approved Employment Networks (ENs), like Disability Services of America, to build a personalized plan that considers their health limitations, career goals, and income needs.
Work Incentives for Cancer Survivors
If your Ticket to Work is assigned, SSA provides several work incentives that support cancer survivors in returning to work without immediately losing their benefits:
- Trial Work Period (TWP): Test your ability to work for up to 9 months while keeping full benefits.
- Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): After your TWP, you have 36 months of benefit protection if your income drops below SSA’s threshold.
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs): Deduct the cost of certain medical expenses (like medication or therapy) from your countable income, which can help you stay under SSA’s income limits.
These incentives are critical for cancer patients who want to re-enter the workforce but need flexibility due to ongoing treatment, fatigue, or other long-term effects.
Support from Disability Services of America
Whether you’re applying for disability for the first time or planning to return to work after cancer, Disability Services of America offers assistance every step of the way. Our team helps with:
- Initial applications and appeals
- Understanding SSA’s rules and timelines
- Connecting with SSA-approved work programs
- Maximizing income without jeopardizing medical benefits
Take the Next Step
Living with cancer comes with many uncertainties, but your access to financial and employment support doesn’t have to be one of them. The Social Security Administration provides tools to help cancer survivors stabilize their finances and reclaim their independence.
If you have cancer and are thinking about applying for disability or if you’re already receiving benefits and want to explore working again; call us at 888‑689‑6760 or complete our online form to get help with your next step.