Disability for Breast Cancer....

Akiss4me
Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Has anyone applied and been given disability for your breast cancer? I thought I read that this is a qualification to receive disability fron Social Security. :) Pammy

Comments

  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    HAVEN'T TRIED BUT
    A lovely woman I ride to radiation with has BC and MS. She said they treated her like they were the gustopo. They are so used to the ones who try to scam that they were very rude to her. and she had to apply several time until she found one who became her advocate. It is really pretty sad the way they treat you...sometimes.
  • zahalene
    zahalene Member Posts: 670
    Pammy...
    I was on SSI disability for about 5 years after having 2 radical mastectomies. I had to apply twice but was not treated badly.
    Disability for breast cancer is not a universal thing. It will depend on the severity of the disabling factors. And, of course, your medical team will be asked to file reports and so forth confirming your claims.
    Also, your economical status will come into play. I received an allotment while my divorce was pending and it was adjusted after alimony started.
    It is no cake walk getting through the red tape, but if you really have no other options for support, it can be a life saver (literally).
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    Not me
    I worked throughout surgery, chemo and rads, but I did get out of jury duty (hooray!)

    =^..^=
  • blabrn1
    blabrn1 Member Posts: 10
    disability
    I just got my letter yesterday indicating that I met the medical requirements for medical disability. they will be reviewing my non medical aspects soon. I hired an attorney right off the bat (no fee unless they win), and it has taken about a year in michigan. It as very hit and miss. Breast Cancer per se is not enough. It will depend on your documentation both medical and journaling. They will review my case in 24 months to see if I'm better. I'm grateful. I have not been able to work now for 2 years due to my side effects from treatment.
  • arbojenn
    arbojenn Member Posts: 118
    I just turned in my
    I just turned in my paperwork for a leave of absence as I prepare and carry out my battle. I had private insurance that covers the first sixtday of disability pay. After that, the retirement fung here has disability coverage for teachers. The time I am on disability counts tword retirement time. I can go retirement disability if I am still not deemed fit to go back. I haven't quite figured out now the social security part works. I am married to a lawyer and I am trying to get him to read through all the policies. Having a hard time getting him to do that. I tell myself it is because he has to face my being unable to do things and he would rather deal only on the surface.

    I think I will only need a sixth month leave, but I applied for a year in case i needed extra time; I can go back when the doctors clear me to return with no restrictions. (THinning bones may be a problem as I have to break up fights and avert them.)

    IF I remain on the disability until it is time for my ss to kick in, I am assuming it will be disability social security, but I usually assume wrong. I need to check into that. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!

    I am disjointed, I know, I have already taken my sleeping aid and the room is spinning.
    will be a while before i can visit the post again, so I wanted to say hey and offer anything I could. Again, though, I end up getting instead of giving. Thank you@
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    arbojenn said:

    I just turned in my
    I just turned in my paperwork for a leave of absence as I prepare and carry out my battle. I had private insurance that covers the first sixtday of disability pay. After that, the retirement fung here has disability coverage for teachers. The time I am on disability counts tword retirement time. I can go retirement disability if I am still not deemed fit to go back. I haven't quite figured out now the social security part works. I am married to a lawyer and I am trying to get him to read through all the policies. Having a hard time getting him to do that. I tell myself it is because he has to face my being unable to do things and he would rather deal only on the surface.

    I think I will only need a sixth month leave, but I applied for a year in case i needed extra time; I can go back when the doctors clear me to return with no restrictions. (THinning bones may be a problem as I have to break up fights and avert them.)

    IF I remain on the disability until it is time for my ss to kick in, I am assuming it will be disability social security, but I usually assume wrong. I need to check into that. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!

    I am disjointed, I know, I have already taken my sleeping aid and the room is spinning.
    will be a while before i can visit the post again, so I wanted to say hey and offer anything I could. Again, though, I end up getting instead of giving. Thank you@

    Would ss disability be based
    Would ss disability be based on a person's income or their spouse's income? Just curious. Or, do you just have to prove that you are disabled by letters from your doctor's etc?
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    DianeBC said:

    Would ss disability be based
    Would ss disability be based on a person's income or their spouse's income? Just curious. Or, do you just have to prove that you are disabled by letters from your doctor's etc?

    I'm assuming...
    that the disability would be based on what I have paid into it. I recieve yearly SS statements showing my earnings, etc, and just what I would recieve if I were to become disabled. My husband recieves his own yearly statement. I'm not sure how it would work if you never worked. Then it may be bassed on a state allowed amount? :) Pammy
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    Akiss4me said:

    I'm assuming...
    that the disability would be based on what I have paid into it. I recieve yearly SS statements showing my earnings, etc, and just what I would recieve if I were to become disabled. My husband recieves his own yearly statement. I'm not sure how it would work if you never worked. Then it may be bassed on a state allowed amount? :) Pammy

    Social Security Disability

    I've known people who have applied for Social Security disability, and it's normally a long, gruelling process.

    Breast cancer does not, in and of itself, make you eligible for Social Security disability. First, you have to qualify for Social Security disability, meaning that you've worked and contributed into the Social Security fund. Also, the disability must be total and what I would term 'permanent'. They won't put you on disability for a few months while you are being treated for breast cancer, if it is expected that you will be released to go back to work. It doesn't replace or enhance other short-term disability coverage (say from the state, or that you or your employer may have). I've taken the following from ssa.gov (the Social Security website).

    ' "Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

    You cannot do work that you did before;
    We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
    Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.'

    As you can see, there are strict guidelines for anyone (not just someone with breast cancer)who is disabled. I hope that I am never in the position that I would qualify for it.

    There are a lot of programs that apply to short-term disabilities, and everyone should investigate the beneftis that they may receive from them, if they are out of work for a period of time. Among them are: paid sick time/leave provided by employer, state disability, short and long-term disability provided by insurance carriers with premiums paid by their employer or themselves.

    Joyce
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    jk1952 said:

    Social Security Disability

    I've known people who have applied for Social Security disability, and it's normally a long, gruelling process.

    Breast cancer does not, in and of itself, make you eligible for Social Security disability. First, you have to qualify for Social Security disability, meaning that you've worked and contributed into the Social Security fund. Also, the disability must be total and what I would term 'permanent'. They won't put you on disability for a few months while you are being treated for breast cancer, if it is expected that you will be released to go back to work. It doesn't replace or enhance other short-term disability coverage (say from the state, or that you or your employer may have). I've taken the following from ssa.gov (the Social Security website).

    ' "Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

    You cannot do work that you did before;
    We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
    Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.'

    As you can see, there are strict guidelines for anyone (not just someone with breast cancer)who is disabled. I hope that I am never in the position that I would qualify for it.

    There are a lot of programs that apply to short-term disabilities, and everyone should investigate the beneftis that they may receive from them, if they are out of work for a period of time. Among them are: paid sick time/leave provided by employer, state disability, short and long-term disability provided by insurance carriers with premiums paid by their employer or themselves.

    Joyce

    hmmmmmmmmm
    I wonder if most work places are required to give temporary disability while you are unable to work while going through treatments and surgery? I think they should although my work place never mentioned this?
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    jk1952 said:

    Social Security Disability

    I've known people who have applied for Social Security disability, and it's normally a long, gruelling process.

    Breast cancer does not, in and of itself, make you eligible for Social Security disability. First, you have to qualify for Social Security disability, meaning that you've worked and contributed into the Social Security fund. Also, the disability must be total and what I would term 'permanent'. They won't put you on disability for a few months while you are being treated for breast cancer, if it is expected that you will be released to go back to work. It doesn't replace or enhance other short-term disability coverage (say from the state, or that you or your employer may have). I've taken the following from ssa.gov (the Social Security website).

    ' "Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

    You cannot do work that you did before;
    We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
    Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.'

    As you can see, there are strict guidelines for anyone (not just someone with breast cancer)who is disabled. I hope that I am never in the position that I would qualify for it.

    There are a lot of programs that apply to short-term disabilities, and everyone should investigate the beneftis that they may receive from them, if they are out of work for a period of time. Among them are: paid sick time/leave provided by employer, state disability, short and long-term disability provided by insurance carriers with premiums paid by their employer or themselves.

    Joyce

    Thanks for the info....
    You mentioned "state disability", what is this? Different from SSI? :) Pammy
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    rjjj said:

    hmmmmmmmmm
    I wonder if most work places are required to give temporary disability while you are unable to work while going through treatments and surgery? I think they should although my work place never mentioned this?

    In New York, any employer

    In New York, any employer with one or more employees must provide disability insurance for their employees. I think that coverage starts after you have been out of work for a week, and it does make a weekly cash payment up to a certain ceiling. I googled 'NYS Disability' for information. You could do the same for your state.

    My company has a generous sick leave program, and I was paid my regular salary for the eight weeks that I was out after my mastectomy and reconstruction. In this case, I applied for the short-term disability but it was paid to my employer as a partial reimbursement for the salary they paid.

    Joyce
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    Akiss4me said:

    Thanks for the info....
    You mentioned "state disability", what is this? Different from SSI? :) Pammy

    Pammy, I think I just

    Pammy, I think I just answered your question. If I didn't, let me know.

    Joyce
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    jk1952 said:

    Pammy, I think I just

    Pammy, I think I just answered your question. If I didn't, let me know.

    Joyce

    SSI, SSDI and state public disability insurance
    I am a policy analyst for the Social Security Administration, so I can help answer some of these questions. I am NOT a claims representative and do not work with the public taking disability claims. My knowledge is strictly from research at work. The best thing to do would be to contact your local SSA office and ask for assistance (www.ssa.gov).

    SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a need-based program for disabled and elderly persons with limited income and resources. The medical disability requirements are the same for SSI and SSDI, but SSI also requires demonstration of limited means.

    SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is not based on need, but on contributions to the Social Security system throughout your working life. Your yearly social security statement should tell you whether you have accumulated enough credits to quality and it will estimate your monthly payment amount.

    The most important thing for both these programs is whether you are able to work. If you are currrently working above a certain monthly wage, you will not be eligible for SSI or SSDI no matter how disabled you are. Beyond that, there is a rather complicated 5 step process to determine medical disability. As someone noted, the standards are strict. This is not a temporary disability program.

    Someone mentioned state disability (I believe in NY). There are five states that offer public state disability. They are New York, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. Puerto Rico offers it as well. The requirements for this are different from Social Security and usually allow termporary disability applications, such as those for pregnancy. If you are in these states, I would definitely recommend finding out more.

    SSI and SSDI can be very long processes, but you should apply if you think you qualify. The best resource is the SSA website and your local field office. If you have specific questions, I can try to answer them to the best of my ability, however I am not an expert and cannot advise you with the authority of the claims reps. in the field. Hope this helps.

    Mimi
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    mimivac said:

    SSI, SSDI and state public disability insurance
    I am a policy analyst for the Social Security Administration, so I can help answer some of these questions. I am NOT a claims representative and do not work with the public taking disability claims. My knowledge is strictly from research at work. The best thing to do would be to contact your local SSA office and ask for assistance (www.ssa.gov).

    SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a need-based program for disabled and elderly persons with limited income and resources. The medical disability requirements are the same for SSI and SSDI, but SSI also requires demonstration of limited means.

    SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is not based on need, but on contributions to the Social Security system throughout your working life. Your yearly social security statement should tell you whether you have accumulated enough credits to quality and it will estimate your monthly payment amount.

    The most important thing for both these programs is whether you are able to work. If you are currrently working above a certain monthly wage, you will not be eligible for SSI or SSDI no matter how disabled you are. Beyond that, there is a rather complicated 5 step process to determine medical disability. As someone noted, the standards are strict. This is not a temporary disability program.

    Someone mentioned state disability (I believe in NY). There are five states that offer public state disability. They are New York, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. Puerto Rico offers it as well. The requirements for this are different from Social Security and usually allow termporary disability applications, such as those for pregnancy. If you are in these states, I would definitely recommend finding out more.

    SSI and SSDI can be very long processes, but you should apply if you think you qualify. The best resource is the SSA website and your local field office. If you have specific questions, I can try to answer them to the best of my ability, however I am not an expert and cannot advise you with the authority of the claims reps. in the field. Hope this helps.

    Mimi

    Thanks Mimi
    You are always so much help! hugs, jackie
  • jackie1020
    jackie1020 Member Posts: 4
    blabrn1 said:

    disability
    I just got my letter yesterday indicating that I met the medical requirements for medical disability. they will be reviewing my non medical aspects soon. I hired an attorney right off the bat (no fee unless they win), and it has taken about a year in michigan. It as very hit and miss. Breast Cancer per se is not enough. It will depend on your documentation both medical and journaling. They will review my case in 24 months to see if I'm better. I'm grateful. I have not been able to work now for 2 years due to my side effects from treatment.

    late effects of treatment
    i am a bc servivor and i am in constant leg,and arm pain, i know its from the chemo but phycsicians do not acknowledge that and don't seem to understand the sevirityof it. also i have apermanate brain fog from it and needless to say i go to work dragging everyday fatigue every day, work and stand with constant and sharp leg pain, mess up at work be cause of the constant pain and fatigue, this is causeing my boss to write me up at work for every error i make bad reviews, and in jeperoty lossing myjob, but of couse the medical cause is always kept out of the documatation, so talk about stress on top everything else, i would love to just be able to live the rest of my life instead of constant worry and pain. if i don't have an income i'll lose my house and everything i have, i go to work and when i drive home my right leg hurt from the bottom of my foot up to my hip, and its sharp and very pain ful, by the time i get home i can hardly get out of the car or walk i have to slowly shuffle to the house and go straight to bed. i have a 9 months possition so thats how i spend my life 9 months out of every year and days out of my life. i am so exhausted and in so much pain i have to take hydrocrodone to go to sleep because my legs hurt so bad i cant go to sleep , and i wake up numerous times though-out the night from the leg pain. in the three months i am off, im still mostly exhausted and i can finally sleep when iwant to instead of pushing and going when i can't but make myself because i have to, but when im off i can put my legs up when im in such pain which is wonderful. but i get so depressed i dont know how much longer i can take this. the stress and pain and working, theres no help cant i have disability so i can have someking of life for the rest of my life? instead of killing myself to exist? HELP SOMEONE PLEASE?
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    mimivac said:

    SSI, SSDI and state public disability insurance
    I am a policy analyst for the Social Security Administration, so I can help answer some of these questions. I am NOT a claims representative and do not work with the public taking disability claims. My knowledge is strictly from research at work. The best thing to do would be to contact your local SSA office and ask for assistance (www.ssa.gov).

    SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a need-based program for disabled and elderly persons with limited income and resources. The medical disability requirements are the same for SSI and SSDI, but SSI also requires demonstration of limited means.

    SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is not based on need, but on contributions to the Social Security system throughout your working life. Your yearly social security statement should tell you whether you have accumulated enough credits to quality and it will estimate your monthly payment amount.

    The most important thing for both these programs is whether you are able to work. If you are currrently working above a certain monthly wage, you will not be eligible for SSI or SSDI no matter how disabled you are. Beyond that, there is a rather complicated 5 step process to determine medical disability. As someone noted, the standards are strict. This is not a temporary disability program.

    Someone mentioned state disability (I believe in NY). There are five states that offer public state disability. They are New York, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. Puerto Rico offers it as well. The requirements for this are different from Social Security and usually allow termporary disability applications, such as those for pregnancy. If you are in these states, I would definitely recommend finding out more.

    SSI and SSDI can be very long processes, but you should apply if you think you qualify. The best resource is the SSA website and your local field office. If you have specific questions, I can try to answer them to the best of my ability, however I am not an expert and cannot advise you with the authority of the claims reps. in the field. Hope this helps.

    Mimi

    Thanks Mimi...
    Unfortunately I do not live in any of those states (I live in West Virginia). I have heard of women that were unable to return to work after treatment due to SE's that made it impossible to perform their job. I will be having additional surgery in October and also possibly disc surgery on my neck. My concern is that I have 5 years left to pay on my mortgage and my income is still needed to accomplish that. I would hate to lose my home after paying on it for 25 years!! But you would think a person would qualify for SSDI if they will be out of work for several years. After all, I did pay into it working all my life!! Thanks so much for you info, Mimi, it was explained very well and was a great help! :) Pammy
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    Akiss4me said:

    Thanks Mimi...
    Unfortunately I do not live in any of those states (I live in West Virginia). I have heard of women that were unable to return to work after treatment due to SE's that made it impossible to perform their job. I will be having additional surgery in October and also possibly disc surgery on my neck. My concern is that I have 5 years left to pay on my mortgage and my income is still needed to accomplish that. I would hate to lose my home after paying on it for 25 years!! But you would think a person would qualify for SSDI if they will be out of work for several years. After all, I did pay into it working all my life!! Thanks so much for you info, Mimi, it was explained very well and was a great help! :) Pammy

    I had no idea that you could
    I had no idea that you could get SS disability because of bc. Wouldn't you have to be so debilitated that you could barely even move or were dieing?
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    mimivac said:

    SSI, SSDI and state public disability insurance
    I am a policy analyst for the Social Security Administration, so I can help answer some of these questions. I am NOT a claims representative and do not work with the public taking disability claims. My knowledge is strictly from research at work. The best thing to do would be to contact your local SSA office and ask for assistance (www.ssa.gov).

    SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a need-based program for disabled and elderly persons with limited income and resources. The medical disability requirements are the same for SSI and SSDI, but SSI also requires demonstration of limited means.

    SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is not based on need, but on contributions to the Social Security system throughout your working life. Your yearly social security statement should tell you whether you have accumulated enough credits to quality and it will estimate your monthly payment amount.

    The most important thing for both these programs is whether you are able to work. If you are currrently working above a certain monthly wage, you will not be eligible for SSI or SSDI no matter how disabled you are. Beyond that, there is a rather complicated 5 step process to determine medical disability. As someone noted, the standards are strict. This is not a temporary disability program.

    Someone mentioned state disability (I believe in NY). There are five states that offer public state disability. They are New York, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. Puerto Rico offers it as well. The requirements for this are different from Social Security and usually allow termporary disability applications, such as those for pregnancy. If you are in these states, I would definitely recommend finding out more.

    SSI and SSDI can be very long processes, but you should apply if you think you qualify. The best resource is the SSA website and your local field office. If you have specific questions, I can try to answer them to the best of my ability, however I am not an expert and cannot advise you with the authority of the claims reps. in the field. Hope this helps.

    Mimi

    Thanks Mimi! I didn't know
    Thanks Mimi! I didn't know about any of this. I don't need it, but, I am sure that it will help a lot out.