Cancer is a sickness that can take a toll on every area of your life. From your ability to care for yourself to your ability to work, this type of disease can take a significant toll, financially, physically and emotionally. For many individuals, the treatment required to fight this disease can be devastating and leave a person weak, sick and disabled.
Some West Virginia residents with a diagnosis of cancer could be eligible for disability benefits. This type of financial support is for people who cannot work due to a medical condition, and for many, this includes cancer. If you believe that you may have a rightful claim for benefits through the Social Security Administration, you would be wise to learn about your legal options.
Do I qualify for disability benefits?
If you have cancer, you may be wondering if you have a rightful claim to this type of support. In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, you must meet the following requirements:
- You have a work history that includes paying a portion of your income into the Social Security system.
- You meet the SSA’s definition of medically disabled.
Essentially, if your cancer impacts your ability to work and hold gainful employment, and you paid into Social Security in the past, you likely qualify for SSDI benefits.
What else should you know?
The disability benefits claims process is complex, and you may find it useful to understand how it works before you even apply. When you understand SSDI and the qualification requirements, you may find that you are better prepared to fight for the support you need. Other things that you may need to know include:
- You may qualify for SSDI benefits even if you were self-employed, as long as you paid self-employment taxes.
- Your financial need does not have a bearing on the benefits you may receive.
- The amount of benefits you may receive depends largely on the number of years you worked and the amount you paid into Social Security.
A diagnosis of cancer can change your life. The financial hardship you may experience could affect your family and your ability to take care of your own medical needs, but you have options.
If you believe that you could have a rightful claim to SSDI benefits, you have no time to lose in seeking an understanding of your rights and how to initiate the claims process. Cancer may keep you from working, but a disability does not preclude you from certain types of financial support.
