How bad do you have to get before you are considered disabled?

Coloman
Coloman Member Posts: 52
edited January 2020 in General Cancer
I am still able to work now, but if these side effects continue to compound and if something else pops up that makes me unable to work I could be in real trouble. We don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank, I work a real job for a living and if I can't work I have a problem worse than the cancer. What, when, why, where does disability kick in, and how hard is it to get on it? I've heard of people getting denied that were worse than I expect that I will get.

Comments

  • Jayne
    Jayne Member Posts: 134
    edited January 2020
    I have similar questions because I no longer have the stamina to work the 80+ hours expected from the big corporation I work for - I am considering part time before I go the disability route. I also have 2-3 "bad days" a week so I end up working on the weekends just to keep up with it all. Am interested in the responses so thanks for asking the question!
  • JaneA
    JaneA Member Posts: 335
    edited January 2020
    Stage IV cancer patients get a faster "compassionate" approval. Otherwise, you will have to go through the rather long application review process.

    Does your job provide short-term and long-term disability?

    If not, I'd suggest applying now to be proactive and get the ball rolling.

    Cancer is covered by the American Disabilities Act and if your employer has more than 50 employees, they must make reasonable accommodations for you. Like a desk or less physical job if you are unable to perform your existing job. If you are experiencing difficulties, talk to someone in the HR department - they know the law and that they must make reasonable accommodations.
  • cllinda
    cllinda Member Posts: 153
    edited January 2020
    There are a lot of hoops to go through to get a Social security disability. It took us over two years. They almost always reject you the first time. We finally went through a lawyer to get a judge to rule on the case. The lawyers cut is 6%. And they do pay you back pay for the time since you first applied. We did get a big check after two years. And you go on Medicare too.
    I was lucky that my husband was working so our bills were covered, but it wasn't easy. I think it's a shame that people who need the disability money have to really fight for it.
  • cllinda
    cllinda Member Posts: 153
    edited January 2020
    When my brother was stage 4 lung cancer, he was given S.S.D. Right away. It was only about $800 a month but it helped him as he fought. He was on it only about six months before cancer took his life.
  • LiveWithCancer
    LiveWithCancer Member Posts: 470
    edited January 2020
    I got approved for stage 4 lung cancer right away. Once approved, you also become eligible for Medicare, which was a lifesaver for us.
  • FLGardenGirl
    FLGardenGirl Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2020
    I’m Stage 3C & thankfully was notified that I’d been approved by Social Security. Payment started 6 months from beginning of disability. I believe I’ll qualify for Medicare after 2 years. Stage III & IV qualify under SS for SSDI under the Compassionate Care Act and applications are moved to a quicker response stack. I believe the turnaround was appoximately 3 weeks.
    Best wishes.

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