If you have a friend or loved one you serve as caregiver for because they have a brain tumor, you may help them apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA recognizes benign brain tumors as a disabling condition, and if your loved one is unable to work and earn a living because of a brain tumor, he or she may be eligible to receive disability benefits. Documentation that confirms the condition and its severity are a necessity to be approved.
How Your Loved One Can Medically Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits
To be approved for Social Security Disability benefits, specific medical criteria must be met. There are specific and detailed criteria that must be met for an individual to be approved disability benefits. Brain tumors can grow slowly and be difficult to detect. They can cause headaches that over-the-counter pain medications will not help. They can also lead to seizures and changes in personality and behavior.
Sometimes the individual experiences vision problems, numbness or weakness in different body parts, speech or sensory issues.
The medical guide used by the SSA is called the Blue Book. There are several listings in the Blue Book that may apply to a brain tumor claim. Listing 11.02 is for convulsive epilepsy, Listing 11.03 is for non-convulsive epilepsy, and Listing 11.04 is for a stroke, or a Central Nervous System Vascular Accident. While the claimant may not have those exact conditions, they may have similar side effects and symptoms that may them eligible for disability benefits.
Becoming A Designated Payee
Sometimes a caregiver also serves as a designated payee. This person oversees the disability benefits received by the claimant. Because the SSA only sends electronic payments, you will need access to the disabled person’s bank account so you can manage their funds. Disability benefits can be used for medical expenses as well as living expenses, such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Keep receipts so if there is an inquiry conducted by the SSA you can prove that the benefits were used for the claimant.
How To Get Your Loved One’s Disability Application Underway
If you are the caregiver of someone who is disabled because of a brain tumor, you will want to be sure to have everything in order before you file a disability claim. Hard medical evidence is a necessity. Be sure to prepare a detailed list of all medical caregivers and be sure to include contact information so the SSA can review all the medical evidence. Start a disability application at www.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213 to talk with a representative or to schedule an appointment at the local field office for the SSA. Be sure to gather as much medical evidence and supporting documentation as possible to support your loved one’s claim, so the SSA can confirm that they are unable to work and earn a living because of the brain tumor.
