As an extremely rare and highly aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects children, Malignant Renal Rhabdoid Tumor qualifies medically for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is processed under the expedited review and approval guidelines of the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program.
Disability Benefit Programs
Children most often qualify for benefits under the SSA’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which provides benefits to individuals of any age who document financial need and medical eligibility.
The program has strict financial limitations, which in the case of disabled children take into account the finances of the parents or legal guardians as well as any income or resources the child may have available to pay for his or her ongoing needs and everyday care and support.
While the financial threshold for qualifying is fairly low, many children are able to receive benefits. This is due to the SSA only:
- Counting certain types of income and resources when determining eligibility
- “Deeming” or considering a portion of the parents’ or guardians’ income and other financial resources as available to pay for the child’s care and needs.
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Compassionate Allowances
Many of the most devastating diseases that affect children, including Malignant Renal Rhabdoid Tumor, are approved for rapid review under the SSA’s CAL program guidelines. While CAL does not eliminate the need to apply for benefits or to provide the SSA with supporting documentation and medical records, it does speed up the process and potentially get your son or daughter benefits sooner. Rather than waiting months for a decision, you will have a determination from the SSA in just a few weeks.
Required Medical Evidence for Malignant Renal Rhabdoid Tumor
The SSA needs to see specific medical evidence to approve any disability claim, even those that are CAL conditions. For Malignant Renal Rhabdoid Tumor, the following evidence is necessary:
- A thorough clinical history
- Exam notes describing the features of the disease
- Laboratory findings which confirm the diagnosis
While not essential for approval, the following diagnostic tests strengthen your son or daughter’s claim for disability benefits:
- Biopsy and histology reports
- Genetic test results (FISH) documenting the deletion of the gene responsible for the condition
- Imaging results, including CTs, PET scans, and MRIs
The SSA may also consult the Blue Book, which is a manual of impairments and the medical evidence necessary for proving disability with each. Malignant Renal Rhabdoid Tumor is typically reviewed under one of the following listings:
- For adults – Section 13.21
- For children – Section 113.03
Adults with recurrent Malignant Renal Rhabdoid Tumors and whose cancer has spread or progressed meet the listing in Section 13.21, while children with a confirmed diagnosis of Malignant Renal Rhabdoid Tumor meet the listing in Section 113.03.
Submitting an Application
When submitting an application for SSI benefits, you must apply in person at your local SSA office or at another location with an SSA representative present. The application is completed through an interview process during which you provide the representative the information necessary to complete the application and to support the claim. You can schedule your appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Be sure to take copies of as many of your child’s medical records as possible with you. Collect the necessary financial documentation prior to the appointment as well, including pay stubs, benefit statements for any other forms of support your child receives, and information on your assets or other financial resources.
