Receiving any type of cancer diagnosis can stir up a host of emotions, most of them negative. The fear of the potentially devastating side-effects of treatment, the loss of independence, fear of disfigurement and the uncertainty of the impact on the rest of the family can all pile up to create a seemingly insurmountable mountain of anxiety. On top of it all, extensive treatment may also necessitate extended periods of time away from work. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has devised the Compassionate Allowances program to help reduce some of the financial burdens that can accompany certain debilitating diseases and/or disorders.
Previously, it was not unusual for the process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits to drag on for months, possibly even years. Approximately 70% of applications were denied on the initial attempt, necessitating a request for reconsideration. A request for reconsideration is followed by an disability hearing, where you have the best chance of being approved benefits. The whole process can take up to 18 months, while the bills keep piling up. The good news (if any can be found in such a diagnosis) is that under the Compassionate Allowances program, certain diagnoses have been deemed eligible for an expedited process, which means that you could possibly begin receiving disability benefits within as little as three weeks.
Ovarian Cancer is one of the conditions that qualify as a Compassionate Allowance. If you have been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, it is extremely important that you start the application process as soon as possible in order to minimize the delay in receiving your disability benefits.
Ovarian Cancer (with Distant Metastases or Inoperable or Unresectable) - Condition and Symptoms
The symptoms of Ovarian Cancer are frequently ignored or misdiagnosed because they so closely resemble those of other less threatening conditions such as digestive or bladder problems. The difference is that symptoms of Ovarian Cancer tend to be much more persistent and get worse over time. Some of these symptoms may include pelvic discomfort or pain, abdominal pressure or bloating, changes in bowel habits, unexplained increases in waist or abdominal size, persistent digestive difficulties including gas, nausea or indigestion, pain in the lower back or a persistent loss of energy.
The term Metastases refers to the spread of any type of cancer to another area or organ. In this case, it would refer to cancer that originates in the ovaries, but has spread (or metastasized) to another part of the body. Those symptoms would be specific to the area which the cancer has invaded.
The terms Inoperable and Unresectable refer to tumors that cannot be removed, either because they are in a location that would be life-threatening to approach of because they involve so many attachment points to other organs that removing them would not be feasible.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Ovarian Cancer (with Distant Metastases or Inoperable or Unresectable)
A woman diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer with Distant Metastases or Inoperable or Unresectable will automatically qualify for disability benefits, because the SSA has granted this disease Compassionate Allowance status. Quite simply, this means that the time between the submission of your application and the receipt of your first benefit payment will be greatly reduced. As long as all of the correct documentation is in order your claim may be processed in as little as three weeks, enabling you to begin receiving your benefits at the start of the next benefit cycle.
While this disease is definitely listed as a Compassionate Allowance, it is still strongly suggested that you seek out the services of a qualified Social Security disability lawyer. Having an experienced disability lawyer in your corner will ensure that you have obtained all of the necessary documentation and that all of your paperwork is in order so that your claim may be processed with a minimum of difficulty.
Be aware that you may be required to provide diagnostic proof of your illness such as blood tests, exploratory surgery, GI series, ultrasound, or MRI or CT scan of the abdomen.
Your Ovarian Cancer (with Distant Metastases or Inoperable or Unresectable) Social Security Disability Case
If you have been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer with Distant Metastases or Inoperable or Unresectable, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you will undoubtedly qualify for disability benefits from the SSA Even so, it would behoove you to have your case reviewed by a Social Security disability lawyer. Your attorney will be able to make sure that your claim is flagged as a compassionate allowance and that you have all of the required documentation of file.
