Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits with a Cancer Diagnosis

Experienced SSDI Attorney in Tampa, FL

Social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits can be extremely helpful for those who are suffering from a serious illness or other injury, and who are rendered incapable of working as a result.  SSDI benefits may be available to those who have been diagnosed with cancer, but it’s important to understand that benefits are not always straightforward to obtain — even if you’re suffering from cancer.

Given the complications, it’s worth consulting a qualified Tampa Social Security disability lawyer at the Office of Mike Murburg, P.A. for guidance.

SSDI Eligibility

SSDI benefits are granted to those who can prove:

• Their illness/injury prevents them from working at their job (i.e., from handling the primary responsibilities);
• Their circumstances are such that they cannot transition to another career path; and
• Their illness/injury will last for at least a year or will lead to death.

These can be somewhat challenging to prove, as you’ll have to present extensive evidence (medical reports, vocational testimony, etc.) to support your argument that the cancer is preventing you from working.  If you have been diagnosed with Stage I skin cancer that can be removed through a quick surgery — and with a short recovery time — then you may not qualify for SSDI benefits under the default eligibility rules.

Metastatic Cancer and Terminal Illness

Some forms of cancer also you to avoid having to “prove” that you are disabled and therefore eligible for SSDI benefits — access to benefits is granted automatically on the basis of your condition.

Certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer and small cell lung cancer, are listed as conditions that will give automatically rise to SSDI eligibility without anything other than a diagnosis.

All cancers can give rise to SSDI benefits, however, if it will result in death (i.e., the illness is terminal), or if they have metastasized to other parts of your body.  As localized and non-malignant tumors may not give rise to SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate whether your cancer is malignant and has spread beyond the regional lymph node.  If it has, then it’s quite likely that the SSA will grant SSDI benefits.

Contact Murburg Law for Help

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and are considering applying for SSDI benefits, then we encourage you to contact Murburg Law for guidance on how to proceed.

Attorney Mike Murburg has spent several decades representing clients exclusively in Social Security matters, including disability-related matters.  He has worked with numerous social security claimants over the years — cancer patients and otherwise — helping them to secure benefits through the SSDI process.  Attorney Murburg is committed to assisting clients at every stage of the process, from claim submission to administrative appeals and litigation.

Call 813-264-5363 or submit a message through our website to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Tampa social security disability lawyer.