If you’re a cancer patient, you should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled, according to social workers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. . It can take months to process your application for either Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income. The Social Security Administration's eligibility screening tool is available online.
If you apply and are turned down for these benefits, you have 60 days from the date you were denied benefits to appeal the process. Use this website to learn how to file an appeal, or call your local Social Security office. You may want to consider hiring a lawyer to make the appeal, or asking a friend or family member to advocate in your behalf.
Find more useful resources in our Patient and Family Education pages.