Do you qualify for Social Security disability as a cancer patient? 5 tests

Social Security pays benefits for a medical condition that is expected to last for at least a year, or may result in death.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) supports the aged, blind or disabled who have little or no income, providing cash for basics like food, clothing and shelter. According to social workers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, the federal government will use these tests to determine whether you qualify for these disability benefits as a cancer patient:

1. Current work status, or whether you are currently working at the time of your disability;
2. Impact of your disability on your ability to do your work;
3. Comparing your illness to a list of common medical conditions that qualify as a disability;
4. Determining whether you can do the work you used to do; and
5. Determining whether you can do another job.

Your doctor will need to weigh in on whether you qualify as disabled, and a state government agency will need to review your application and may ask you for additional forms or an in-person physical exam before your status can be determined.

You can find more useful resources in our Patient and Family Education pages.