It is shocking, hearing the news that you have a terminal illness. It is an event that is hard to process, and can be challenging to initially move forward with. Depending on the severity of the disease, individuals might be motivated to start treatment right away. Others might wait to understand their options and how the possible treatment plans could impact his or her health. No matter what medical approach a patient takes, it is imperative that the available government programs are understood. Social Security disability benefits are designed to help those unable to work because of a debilitating injury or illness. Thus, those living with a terminal illness should note how they could quickly recover they benefits.
How does the Compassionate Allowance program help those living with cancer? Unfortunately, roughly 1 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. This is a difficult diagnosis to take in, causing most patients to question how they will get by undergoing intense treatment. In order to better service individuals living with cancer, the Social Security Administration developed the Compassionate Allowances program.
This program is designed to streamline the disability benefits process for those living with severe or terminal diseases. In order to qualify for this program, however, an applicant must be suffering from an illness listed for the program. Additionally, medical evidence must be provided that the applicant has received a medical diagnosis of the disease.
Because the SSD benefits process can be lengthy, especially if an applicant files an appeal, it is likely that applicants with serious or terminal diseases would not survive their illness by the time benefits rolled in. Therefore, this program helps expedite the process, helping these applicants get their benefits quickly so they can enjoy them while they are still alive.
Living with cancer and other serious diseases can be challenging and life-altering. It is not only emotionally taxing, the treatment process takes a toll on the individuals health. Thus, it is important to understand what financial benefits are available and how one could quickly receive SSD benefits.
Source: Publicopiniononline.com, “Social Security: ‘Compassionate Allowances’ help cancer victims and others,” Oscar Torres-Torres, Sept. 22, 2016
