What You Need to Know About Social Security Disability If You Have Breast Cancer

If you or a loved one has breast cancer, you probably have questions about how you are going to make ends meet if your illness or your treatment makes you unable to work. Social Security disability may be an option for you if you qualify for benefits and if you file a successful application.

Here are Some Facts You Should Know About Social Security Disability

Breast cancer patients and their families should know that:

• Breast cancer is among the conditions included in the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances Initiatives (CAL). This means that your claim may be expedited.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies approximately two out of every three initial Social Security disability claim applications. Many of these denials are for technical reasons, and the denials are overturned on appeal.
• You have the right to work with a lawyer before you file your initial disability claim. You do not have to wait until the SSA denies your claim.
• If the SSA does deny your claim, you have the right to appeal.

While it is up to the SSA to make a determination about your Social Security disability application, you can increase the chances of it being approved by making sure that:

1. Every single part of your application is complete. If you miss a section or even one question, your application may be denied.
2. Your application proves you have a disability. This will require medical documentation.
3. Your application proves you can’t work. This will require evidence of your disability and how it impacts your life.
4. You don’t miss a deadline. This can cause your application to be denied or delay your benefits.
5. You don’t make a mistake. Even a small error could mean that your application is denied.

And it is important to know that Social Security disability is a benefit worth pursuing.

Thinking About Applying for Social Security Disability?

If you are ready to apply for Social Security disability, we encourage you to contact us before you complete your application. Do not attempt to do it yourself. Instead, let an experienced lawyer handle the application process while you concentrate on your medical treatment.

For more information about the Social Security disability application process and how we can help, start an online chat with us at any time—day or night. Additionally, we invite you to share this article on Facebook or with your breast cancer support group so that others may benefit from knowing the truth about Social Security disability for breast cancer patients.

by Paul B. Burkhalter
Managing Partner of Morgan & Weisbrod, Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.

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