SSDI is a program run by Social Security to give benefits to those who paid Social Security taxes while working.
Some people may qualify for SSDI benefits if they have lung cancer, but it depends on the severity and type of lunch cancer.
Just having lung cancer is not enough to qualify you for SSDI benefits.
SSI: Getting benefits for disabled children
How can you get SSDI benefits for lung cancer?
According to Verywell Health, only small-cell lung cancer will qualify you for SSDI benefits.
If you have another type, you must meet the definition of what the Social Security Administration views as a disability.
In order to qualify for disability benefits for cancer, you need to have worked jobs that were covered by Social Security.
Social Security: Why you should delay collecting benefits as long as you can
In addition, you need to have a medical condition that meets the criteria laid out for what a disability is.
Your condition must limit your ability to work for 12 months or longer.
If your lung cancer does not hinder your ability to work then you won’t qualify.
You need to have worked long enough to qualify as well.
You earn work credits based on how long you’ve worked, and can earn up to 4 credits per year.
If you’re younger you may have less credits and will get less in benefits.
If your lung cancer qualifies you for SSDI, your application may be processed faster under the Compassionate Allowance Program.
You need to meet one of three things for this to be the case.
Your cancer must have spread beyond it’s area of origin, be inoperable, or recurrent despite receiving treatment.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]