It is likely that you are unable to earn an income if you have been diagnosed with cancer.
Breast cancer causes a lot of financial hardship that may qualify you for disability benefits.
The Beginning Steps of the Application for Disability Benefits for Breast Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are two types of benefits that you may qualify for.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the benefits.
The first type is based on Social Security Disability Insurance and your eligibility depends on how many work credits you have accumulated when paying your taxes.
The second isn’t tied to work credits but is based on financial need.
Before you apply for any disability benefit you need to prove you are disabled and are unable to work for at least 12 months.
The more advanced breast cancer is listed in the Blue Book.
Even though its presence implies that you automatically meet the requirements that entitle you to disability benefits, this isn’t always the case.
Typically, you may still be asked to provide more evidence to support your disability benefit’s claim.
The SSA will want to view your medical records, including CT and MRI scans, which show the date you first became disabled with breast cancer.
You will have to prove you are unable to carry out the work you did before becoming disabled and that the disability will last at least 12 months.
Before you apply, make sure you have the names and contact details of all physicians and clinics you've visited throughout the last 5 years.
Whether you are offered disability benefits depends partly on what your physician knows about your breast cancer and whether s/he considers you can work.
There are a few different options to apply for Social Security benefits.
You can file an application online which is more applicable to applicants who have adequate work credits.
Another option would be to call the Social Security office to book an appointment or go to your local office without an appointment
If you are denied disability benefits for your breast cancer you can file a request for reconsideration.
Ask for Reconsideration With Breast Cancer
If you decide to file an appeal for disability benefits because your request for reconsideration has been unsuccessful,you will need to present your disability case in person to an administrative law judge (ALJ), Arranging the date and the hearing itself are both conducted at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).
The most likely reason for a disability benefits application being denied is due to the lack of evidence of your disability.
Before the appeal date you should get more medical tests completed to prove the presence and pain caused by the breast cancer like X-rays and MRIs.
Also,you could provide proof that you need an assistive device to enable you to be more mobile.
If the appeal is unsuccessful you can still go to the federal court and often there is a better outcome.
You might decided that you want your physician to fill in your RFC
You can find a form for this process on the SSA's website. The form mandates an in depth description of your disability such as how much weight you can carry for a certain duration.
Help With Disability Application Process for Breast Cancer
A specialized disability lawyer can work on your behalf to help strengthen your claim or file an appeal if you were denied.
Free Case Evaluation
Overall, the social security application process for breast cancer can be complicated. It is important that you seek help and get a free case evaluation now!
