If you have a friend or family member with colon cancer and they cannot work because of the condition, they may be eligible for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are the caregiver for a colon cancer patient, you may be able to help them apply for disability benefits.
If the claimant suffers from cancer of the large intestine, then the SSA will most likely approve the disability claim if the tumor has returned after being in remission, inoperable, or unresectable.
How Your Loved One Can Medically Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits
There are two different monthly disability programs overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To qualify for benefits from either program the individual must meet specific medical criteria that proves he or she is unable to work and earn a living, that the condition will last at least 12 months, or that the condition will lead to death. Disability Determination Services will review the claim using a medical guide, which is called the Blue Book.
While medical professionals refer to colorectal cancer, the SSA makes reference to cancer of the large intestine. The listing in the Blue Book for colon cancer indicates that to be approved, the claimant must show proof of the cancer meeting one of the following criteria:
• A colorectal tumor that is an adenocarcinoma that is either recurrent, inoperable, or unresectable
• Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus that returned after surgery
• Colorectal cancer has spreads beyond the lymph nodes closest to the original tumor
If your loved one’s cancer doesn’t meet one of those listings, you must be able to provide documentation that shows the restrictions and limitations of the claimant and how he or she is no longer able to work and earn a living because of the condition and how it affects them on a daily basis. Detailed medical documentation is essential to the success of the claim.
Becoming A Designated Payee
As caregiver for a loved one who suffers from colon cancer, you may be asked to serve as designated payee of their disability checks. You will need to ensure that the monthly benefits are spent on living expenses for the claimant. This means the funds can pay the mortgage payments, rent, and utilities or buy groceries and cover medical expenses. Keep all the receipts in case the SSA wants to confirm how the funds were spent.
How Caregivers Can Help Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits Because Of Colon Cancer
To have a successful disability claim for colon cancer, hard medical evidence is a necessity. You will need to provide detailed medical documentation to support the case. Prepare a detailed list of medical providers that the individual has used and be sure to include contact details for each provider. There are three ways to get a disability claim underway. You can start the process online at www.ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by going to a field office in person.
