Can you be approved for disability after going through cancer?

GetItOut

I know that not all cancers are the same and each person would be different, but I am just wondering if anyone has been successful. I know I won't be able to do my job that I am still at because every week that goes by I am not able to do as much as the last week. I just feel it coming that I will be let go.

CancerNews

Yes you can but it will depend on the severity of your particular case.

JustGrateful

Yes you can, lots of people have. But it depends on your type of cancer, stage, severity, and to some extent, who helps you fill out the application. Some people get approved right away with no problems while others have to be denied, appeal and start all over.

Sasukesuma

My husband was approved for social security disability immediately when his cancer spread to his liver. However if you are considered terminal there is a six month waiting period before you can collect. Of course, perhaps as it was designed, he died before he could collect. The only cancer that doesn’t have the six months waiting period is kidney cancer. They seam to have a better lobby than the rest of us.

LiveWithCancer

I got disability right away, no problem. In fact, the person at SSD tried to get payments for me dating back to when I was working ... that didn't work, but I appreciated him trying. (I have stage IV lung cancer. I think it is supposed to be automatic approval. Mine was.)

po18guy

For primary treatment that might be possible on a temporary basis. If it is for follicular, they would probably do a short-term disability. If you are/were in remission and relapsed, that changes the story. I relapsed and was approved in about two months for SSD. After two years on disability, you qualify for Medicare regardless of your age. You can apply online and make sure your application states "Cancer" and they will expedite the process.