Do Lung Cancer Patients Qualify for Disability Benefits?

A lung cancer diagnosis can be physically, emotionally, and financially disabling, and many lung cancer patients need financial assistance to help them stay afloat financially. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federally run benefit program earned by people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes on their earnings. Depending on the type and severity of your lung cancer, you may qualify for SSDI benefits.

There are strict eligibility rules to qualify for SSDI, and a lung cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean you will be approved for these benefits. Only one type of lung cancer—small-cell lung cancer—qualifies an applicant for approval of SSDI benefits by diagnosis alone.

If you have another type of lung cancer, you must meet the definition of disability under the Social Security Act. Read on for more information on Social Security Disability benefits in regards to lung cancer, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Who Qualifies for Cancer Disability?

To qualify for SSDI benefits with lung cancer, you must:

• Have worked at jobs that were covered by Social Security
• Have a medical condition that meets the strict definition of disability

This means that your condition must limit your ability to work for 12 months or more. If your lung cancer does not restrict your work-related activities, you will not qualify.

In addition to meeting the definition of disability, you must have worked long enough (and recently enough) under Social Security to qualify for SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses “work credits” to determine eligibility.

Work credits are based on your total yearly income, and people can earn up to four credits each year. The number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI benefits depends on the age at which you were diagnosed with lung cancer. Most people need 40 work credits, 20 of which must be earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers may qualify for the benefits with fewer credits.

Compassionate Allowance Conditions

If your lung cancer diagnosis is serious enough to qualify for SSDI, you may have the option to have your application processed more quickly under the Compassionate Allowance Program. This initiative helps reduce wait times for those with the most serious disabilities so your benefits can begin as soon as possible.

To qualify for this program, you must meet one or more of these requirements:

• The cancer has spread beyond its area of origin.
• The cancer is inoperable (not able to be removed via surgery).
• The cancer is recurrent (returns) despite treatment.

You do not need to take any extra steps to determine if you are eligible for this program. The SSA uses technology to easily identify claims of those who meet the standards for disability to make quick decisions.

How to Submit a Claim for Disability

You can apply for SSDI online, in person at your local Social Security office, or on the phone. No matter how you apply, the application process generally goes as follows: 

• Gather the documents and information you need to apply: The Adult Disability Checklist on the SSA website provides a comprehensive list of required documents. Be prepared to provide thorough, accurate information about your family, employment history, finances, medical records, and education and job training.
• Complete and submit your application.
• Your application will be reviewed to make sure you meet the requirements.
• Your work credits/employment requirements will be verified.
• Your work activities will be evaluated.
• Your application is processed and forwarded to the Disability Determination Services offices in your state.
• The state agency makes the final decision on your eligibility. If your application is denied, you have the option to reapply or appeal the decision.

As you fill in your application, be sure to include all of your medical records. The SSA requires them to approve your disability claim for lung cancer. These records may include:

• Biopsy results 
• Imaging scans to show the location of the tumors and/or spread of the cancer
• Details of your cancer treatments (e.g., types, how long/how often, and their effects)

You’ll also want to be sure to include contact information for all of your healthcare providers, including treatment facilities, hospitals, and doctors. Any missing information or gaps in your medical records may disqualify you from SSDI eligibility.

Once your application has been reviewed and verified, you will receive a letter with the SSA’s decision. You can check the status of your application online by logging into your Social Security account, or by calling the SSA.

How Much Disability Will You Receive?

The amount of SSDI benefits you receive each month will be based on how long you worked and how much Social Security tax you have paid over the years. If your application is approved, you will begin receiving benefits deposited directly into your bank account six months from the onset of your lung cancer diagnosis.

Summary 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federally run benefits program available to people who have worked long enough, paid into Social Security taxes, and have a qualifying disability, such as small-cell lung cancer. SSDI benefits are provided to replace lost income and help individuals with disabilities stay afloat financially. 

SSDI eligibility requirements are strict, and a lung cancer diagnosis is not guaranteed approval to receive the benefits. You can apply for SSDI benefits online, on the phone, or at your nearest Social Security Administration office. It’s important to provide thorough, detailed information about your lung cancer diagnosis, medical history, employment history, and family details for your application to be reviewed and approved.

A Word From Verywell 

A lung cancer diagnosis and associated treatments and medical care can be financially devastating to many people. SSDI benefits provide monthly payouts to people with certain types of cancer. If you can no longer work due to your lung cancer diagnosis, the SSDI program is there to help relieve some of the financial burden related to lost income.