If you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and you can’t work because of that cancer you can apply for Social Security disability benefits. The maximum amount of money that you can be awarded for Social Security disability benefits is $3,627 per month. In order to be awarded the maximum disability benefit amount you will need to show that you meet all of the Social Security Administration’s requirements.
How To Calculate How Much Disability You’ll Get With Thyroid Cancer
The amount of the benefit that you receive if your application for Social Security disability benefits is approved depends on several different factors. Everyone who is approved for Social Security disability benefits receives a different benefit amount based on factors like:
- The cost of living currently
- The state you live in
- Your age
- How long you’ve been working
- How severe your illness or symptoms are
- What your medical expenses are on average per month
You will need to submit medical documentation with your application showing how severe your illness is and you will need to submit other documents detailing your expenses and the average cost of living in your state.
Getting Back Pay For Thyroid Cancer
Sometimes it can be a long wait before your application for Social Security disability benefits is approved. If your application for disability benefits is initially rejected and you must go through the appeals process that approval can take even longer. But once your application for benefits is approved you may be eligible for back pay.
Back pay is money that is paid to you for each month that you were eligible for disability benefits but you were waiting for the application to be approved. There is a five month waiting period for disability benefits, so you won’t receive back pay for the first five months after you applied for disability benefits. But you may receive back pay for each month after that five month waiting period. Back pay is paid out as a lump sum.
If you have late stage or terminal thyroid cancer you may qualify for the Compassionate Allowance program. People who are eligible for the Compassionate Allowance program typically start receiving benefits quickly. So if you are eligible for Compassionate Allowance you may not be eligible for back pay.
Retroactive Payments For Thyroid Cancer
Anyone that is approved for Social Security disability benefits can receive retroactive payment. Retroactive payment is the payment of disability benefits for the time of your diagnosis to the time that you filed for disability benefits. Once your application for disability benefits is approved you may qualify for a retroactive payment of benefits for the length of time between the date you were diagnosed and the date you filed for disability..
Work With An Attorney
It’s a good idea to speak with a Social Security lawyer who takes cases in your state to find out more about what payments you might be eligible for and to get advice on preparing your application. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation to connect with a participating, independent Social Security lawyer who subscribes to the website.
