Social Security Disability Benefits for Cancer

Lawyers Helping Cancer Victims Obtain SSDI Benefits in Dallas and Plano

Cancer is one of the most serious diseases that can affect a person, and if it is not treated properly, it can be life-threatening. In addition to the health issues caused by cancer itself, the treatments a person may receive, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can cause additional health complications and side effects. Because of these issues, those with cancer may not be able to work during their treatment and recovery, and they may need to receive disability benefits that will allow them to cover their ongoing expenses. However, the process of applying for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be complicated, and a person will need to meet specific requirements to demonstrate they are actually disabled.

When applying for Social Security disability benefits, any mistakes made on an application or a failure to provide the right information to the Social Security Administration may delay the process or result in a claim being denied. To avoid these issues, it is important to work with an attorney who is experienced in Social Security disability cases. At the Law Offices of Coats & Todd, we have over 60 combined years of experience, and we are committed to making a difference in the lives of people who have suffered disabilities. When you work with us, we will not rest until you are granted the benefits you deserve.

When Is Cancer Considered a Disability?

The Social Security Administration's listing of impairments contains a section dedicated to cancer. This listing specifies certain forms of cancer that are severe enough to cause a person to be considered disabled. These include cancers of the esophagus, liver, or gallbladder, as well as small-cell carcinoma in the breasts, lungs, stomach, intestines, bladder, female genital tract, or prostate. A person with these forms of cancer will qualify for Social Security disability benefits without the need to demonstrate that their illness has affected their ability to maintain employment.

Other forms of cancer may qualify for disability if it has spread beyond the origin site to other areas of the body. These are known as "distant metastases," and they may involve skin cancer, bone cancer, or other forms of cancer that spread to affect bodily systems such as the lungs or brain. Cancers that spread beyond the regional lymph nodes in the area where cancer originally formed are usually considered to be disabling.

Some types of cancer may also qualify for disability if they are inoperable, or if they reoccur after receiving treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy. These include bone cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, cancer of the small or large intestine, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and thyroid cancer.

In many cases, the cancer treatment itself can be disabling. The side effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatment may include severe fatigue, weakness in the body, neurological and cardiovascular issues, and ongoing gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A person may also experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty regulating their moods. When evaluating the effects of a person's treatment, Social Security will look at the types and frequency of drugs administered, the extent of any surgical procedures, and the complications and adverse effects of these treatments. To be considered a disability, the condition that prevents a person from working must last for at least one year.

Contact Our North Texas Social Security Disability Attorneys

A cancer diagnosis can not only cause you to worry about your health, but it may leave you unsure about how you will cover your ongoing expenses if the treatment you receive will cause you to be unable to work. In these situations, the Law Offices of Coats & Todd will work with you to determine whether you can receive disability benefits through Social Security. We will help you apply for these benefits and demonstrate the need for financial assistance while you are receiving treatment and recovering from your illness. To get legal help with your disability case, contact our office at 972-671-9922. We serve clients throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including Lewisville, Plano, Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Flower Mound, and Denton.