As a late stage, aggressive cancer, Peritoneal Muncinous Carcinomatosis automatically meets the medical eligibility criteria for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) also understands that time is crucial in reviewing applications filed with this diagnosis. For this reason, Peritoneal Mucinous Carcinomatosis is included in the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program, which is designed to get you a decision on your eligibility for disability benefits as quickly as possible.
Application
While CAL designation means your claim for benefits will be reviewed more quickly, you must still complete the application process. You must also provide the SSA with the medical documentation and other records necessary to satisfy evidence requirements.
You can apply for benefits via the internet or at your local SSA office. Online application is often the fastest method for submitting a claim as there is no need to make an appointment or wait for an available date to participate in an in-person interview at the local office. Online applications can be submitted at any time via the SSA’s website.
Medical Evidence
CAL designated conditions often require less medical evidence than standard SSD claims. This is part of the expedited review procedure the SSA has in place to ensure applications in the CAL category are reviewed as fast as possible.
In the CAL program, the wait time for a decision on eligibility is typically only a few weeks, as opposed to the several months the average applicant waits for a decision. However, in order to guarantee your claim is processed quickly, you should ensure your medical records contain the details the SSA needs to make a decision. Those details are as follows:
- Biopsy findings from samples from the peritoneum
- Blood tests that show tumor markers indicative of peritoneal cancer
- Imaging scans of the peritoneum, which may include X-rays, MRIs, and/or CTs
- Clinical history and physical finding notes that document the features of the disease
Peritoneal Muncinous Carcinomatosis develops when another cancer has spread. Most often, it is an abdominal cancer that metastasizes to the peritoneum, but the disease can originate anywhere. Your medical records should also contain information on the original cancer site and the historical progression of the disease as well as the treatments you have received.
The SSA’s Disability Programs
With Peritoneal Muncinous Carcinomatosis, you may be eligible to receive benefits through either or both of the SSA’s disability programs. The disease automatically qualifies medically, but there are still technical eligibility rules for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which you must also meet.
SSDI has work credit requirements. SSI has no work history requirements, but does have strict income and financial asset or resource limitations. Learn more about SSDI and SSI here.
