Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for People With Cancer

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides a monthly income for people who have disabilities that keep them from working. Cancer and cancer treatment can sometimes make you eligible for SSDI. To get SSDI, you must have worked and paid into Social Security for enough years to qualify. People who get SSDI may also become eligible for Medicare after a waiting period.

Who qualifies for SSDI?

SSDI eligibility is based on your work history and medical condition, not having a low income or financial need. To qualify for SSDI, you must:

• Have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) definition of disability. Cancer may qualify based on the cancer itself, or because of the effects of cancer and its treatment.
• Be unable to work because of your condition and have a disability that has lasted or is expected to last at least 1 year. In some cases, an illness may qualify you for a faster review through special programs.
• Have worked and paid Social Security taxes for enough years to qualify. For many adults, this means having worked about 5 of the last 10 years. If you are younger than 24, the requirements may vary.

In some cases, your spouse or children can also qualify for benefits.

How do I apply for SSDI?

You can apply for SSDI:

• Online
• By calling 800-772-1213 to make an appointment at your local Social Security office.

Before applying for SSDI, it can be helpful to review the information about the disability application process. This will help you know what information you need to gather before applying, such as medical records, how to contact your healthcare provider, and work history.

For certain serious illnesses, including some cancers, applications may be reviewed more quickly through the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program.

What happens if my application is approved?

If your application is approved, there’s usually a waiting period of about 6 months before monthly payments can start. The waiting period is based on the date your medical condition became severe enough to keep you from working, not the date you applied for SSDI.

Your monthly benefit amount is based on how long you worked and how much you paid in Social Security taxes through your earnings.

You may also become eligible for Medicare after you've received SSDI benefits for 2 years.

What if I get turned down for SSDI?

If you get turned down for SSDI, reapply. You can also appeal if necessary. Many cases are approved after the appeal process. It’s important to follow deadlines, and it may be helpful to have a patient navigator or social worker guide you.

If you don’t qualify for SSDI, and have limited income and resources, look into Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program is based on your income and need. It can help people who haven’t worked recently enough or didn’t pay enough into Social Security during their working years to qualify for SSDI.

Can I get both SSDI and SSI?

Some people who were employed for short times or whose income was very low may be able to get both SSDI and SSI if their SSDI payment is low. In that case, the SSI payment is reduced by the amount of SSDI the person gets.

Learn more in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for People With Cancer.

How can I find out more about SSDI?

• Visit www.ssa.gov online – choose disability
• Visit ssabest.benefits.gov to learn about Social Security benefits you might be eligible for, including SSDI
• Go to your nearest Social Security office
• Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your Social Security number handy.

You can find out how much you would get from SSDI by looking at your Social Security statement. The statement shows your work history and an estimate of what your benefits would be at this time. To get a Social Security statement:

• Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for Form SSA-7005 (Request for Social Security Statement). Complete the form and return it to the SSA.
• Request a statement online through Social Security’s website at www.ssa.gov. Click on My Social Security on the left side of the page.

Need more information?

Other sources of information and support include:

US Department of Health and Human Services
Website: www.healthcare.gov/how-does-the-health-care-law-protect-me

This site explains patient rights related to health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

American Hospital Association
Toll-free number: 1-800-242-2626 (this is the customer service/publication order line)
Website: www.aha.org

AHA’s Patient Care Partnership brochure teaches patients about rights and responsibilities related to their hospital stay. The brochure is sold in bulk orders only and there’s a fee for non-members. You can read it online for free (in English, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese) at www.aha.org/aha/issues/Communicating-With-Patients/pt-care-partnership.html.

National Library of Medicine
Website: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/patientrights.html

This site has information on patient rights along with many links to other sources of related information.

Medicare Rights Center (for those with Medicare)
Toll-free number: 1-800-333-4114
Website: www.medicarerights.org

This service can help you understand your rights and benefits, work through the Medicare system, and get quality care. They have newsletters, fact sheets, and a place to submit questions. They can also help you find programs that help reduce your costs for prescription drugs and medical care, and guide you through the appeals process if Medicare denies coverage for drugs or care you need.