If you have the unfortunate circumstance of having cancer, then one option for you is to file for Social Security Disability.
The usual standard is whether you are prevented from working any job at all.
This would mean things such as the complications from the cancer and the treatments you are receiving make you sick or you are constantly fatigued.
This translates into the inability to work because of having too many absences or not being able to stay on task long enough throughout the day.
The other way that Social Security looks at cancer is through what is called a listing.
The theory is that when a disease or condition is so severe that it meets criteria Social Security has set forth in its rules, then you are presumed to be unable to work.
Some examples of cancers that meet the listing and for which you will be found disabled are inoperable, unresectable, or recurrent cancers. Or a cancer that has metastasized.
Social Security will expedite reviews of cancer cases. This means they will speed up their decision on the claim.
This is important because currently claims are taking around 5 months for the initial review.
Remember, it is important to file as soon as possible because you want to get the review under way faster to get your benefits quickly.
No one wants to have to deal with cancer, but it is important to know that Social Security Disability benefits are available.
Questions about your Disability claim? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.