Stabge IV and Social Security (US)

Nana b
Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Just wondering how many of our Stage IV's in the US have applied or are on Social Security. Is there a Stage IV that was disapproved Social Security Benefits?

I have not applied, because I am in remission, but know that can change in a blink.

Thanks!!

Comments

  • kristasplace
    kristasplace Member Posts: 957 Member
    #2
    yes
    And it was a heinous battle! I had originally applied for temporary support during my treatments, and had been getting state disability, but after the bone damage rendered me unable to do anything for any length of time, i had to get serious about it. They continually denied it until i got an attorney, and took my case to a judge. It was a very brief encounter since the judge was excellent, and had made himself acquainted with my case. He even seemed disgusted that it had taken so long to take effect, and that as a result of the delay, i had been denied medical treatment. I wasn't "officially" a stage IV at that time, but there were lesions the docs were watching. I've heard that if you're a stage IV, it's very easy to get on SSI. I think they base it on percentages. I think they take into account that stage III's have almost a 50/50 chance of survival, so in their eyes, you'll survive. Stage IV percentage is much lower, so i think they expect you're going to die. They're just horrible, but we're all just numbers to them.
  • damama24
    damama24 Member Posts: 174 Member
    #3
    kristasplace said:

    yes
    And it was a heinous battle! I had originally applied for temporary support during my treatments, and had been getting state disability, but after the bone damage rendered me unable to do anything for any length of time, i had to get serious about it. They continually denied it until i got an attorney, and took my case to a judge. It was a very brief encounter since the judge was excellent, and had made himself acquainted with my case. He even seemed disgusted that it had taken so long to take effect, and that as a result of the delay, i had been denied medical treatment. I wasn't "officially" a stage IV at that time, but there were lesions the docs were watching. I've heard that if you're a stage IV, it's very easy to get on SSI. I think they base it on percentages. I think they take into account that stage III's have almost a 50/50 chance of survival, so in their eyes, you'll survive. Stage IV percentage is much lower, so i think they expect you're going to die. They're just horrible, but we're all just numbers to them.

    Social Security Disability
    I am currently receiving SSDI. I was encouraged to apply for it shortly after my dx. I did the application on line, went to local Social Security office to verify all paperwork and sign releases. It only took about 3 weeks and I was approved. Of course there is a 5 month waiting period before I received a check. But I am glad I applied when I did because about the time I lost my job the SSDI started. It's not as much as I made working but it helps keep a roof over my head and the bills paid. Now if I can get the 11 month extension on my cobra ins I can at least stop worrying about having no insurance. Well at least for a little while.
    Deb
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #4
    Nana:
    Stage Iv is Stage IV. It is my understanding approval is quick and takes less than a month. You need to wait for first check though. Go on line or stop in one of their offices and they will tell you what you need as far as paperwork. I would not tell them you are in remission when inquiring.

    Take care - Tina
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #5
    Social Security
    I applied for social security disability, and received my first check in 35 days after I applied. I applied on the computer, never went to the social security office.
    As of about a year ago, stage IV was listed as a "compassionate disability", and most are approved within 30 days (my approval was within 20 days, first check 35 days). Before they started the compassionate care I'm sure it was very difficult to get it.
    It was so very easy.
    Winter Marie
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #6
    damama24 said:

    Social Security Disability
    I am currently receiving SSDI. I was encouraged to apply for it shortly after my dx. I did the application on line, went to local Social Security office to verify all paperwork and sign releases. It only took about 3 weeks and I was approved. Of course there is a 5 month waiting period before I received a check. But I am glad I applied when I did because about the time I lost my job the SSDI started. It's not as much as I made working but it helps keep a roof over my head and the bills paid. Now if I can get the 11 month extension on my cobra ins I can at least stop worrying about having no insurance. Well at least for a little while.
    Deb

    Stage IV
    Deb,
    If you're stage IV you can qualify for medicare 2 months after qualifying for social security disability.
  • damama24
    damama24 Member Posts: 174 Member
    #7
    herdizziness said:

    Social Security
    I applied for social security disability, and received my first check in 35 days after I applied. I applied on the computer, never went to the social security office.
    As of about a year ago, stage IV was listed as a "compassionate disability", and most are approved within 30 days (my approval was within 20 days, first check 35 days). Before they started the compassionate care I'm sure it was very difficult to get it.
    It was so very easy.
    Winter Marie

    Social Security Disability
    I was told would not get medicare until on disability for two years, then would be automatically enrolled. That is why I applied for an extension of my cobra ins. It will carry me through until I can get medicare.
    Deb

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