Being diagnosed with cancer can turn your life upside down. You may be focused on treatment, managing symptoms, and trying to stay strong for yourself and your family. When cancer keeps you from working, it’s natural to worry about how you’ll cover your bills or support your household. Social Security Disability benefits can provide critical financial relief, but the application process isn’t always straightforward—especially when you’re already dealing with so much.
At the Law Office of Carey Thompson, PC, we help people in Dallas-Fort Worth apply for the disability benefits they need. Whether you’re just starting your application or trying to understand why your claim was denied, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If cancer has made it impossible for you to work, call us today. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.
Can You Get Disability Benefits for Cancer?
Yes, many people with cancer qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. To get approved, you need to show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months—or that it’s expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks closely at your diagnosis, your treatment plan, and how the illness affects your ability to perform daily tasks and hold a job.
Some types of cancer are fast-tracked through the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program. This allows certain claims to be reviewed and approved more quickly based on a confirmed diagnosis alone. Even with this option, it’s still important to submit strong medical evidence and complete the application carefully. If your cancer isn’t on the list, you’ll need to prove how it limits your work capacity. Either way, the right legal guidance can help you avoid delays and improve your chances of success.
Qualifying Cancers and SSA Listings
The SSA keeps a list of medical conditions that meet its definition of disability. This list—often called the Blue Book—includes many types of cancer. If your diagnosis matches a listed condition and meets the severity outlined, you may qualify automatically.
Some of the cancers commonly listed include:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer (especially if it has spread)
- Colon or rectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
- Brain or spinal cord tumors
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
Meeting a listing doesn’t mean your claim is guaranteed to be approved. You still need to provide thorough medical records, biopsy results, imaging scans, and treatment details. The SSA wants to see how your cancer—and the side effects of treatment—impacts your ability to work. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and the fatigue or pain that follows all matter when your claim is reviewed.
What If Your Cancer Isn’t in the Blue Book?
Even if your specific type of cancer isn’t listed, you can still qualify for disability benefits. The SSA will look at how your condition limits your ability to work. This includes not only the cancer itself but also the toll your treatments take on your body and mind.
For many people, side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can be just as disabling as the disease. You may struggle with extreme fatigue, nausea, nerve pain, or cognitive issues. Some people experience depression or anxiety during treatment, which can also affect daily functioning. If your symptoms—whether from the cancer or its treatment—keep you from holding a steady job, that may be enough to qualify for benefits. What matters most is having clear, consistent medical evidence that supports your claim.
How We Help Cancer Patients Apply for SSD Benefits
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about telling your story in a way the Social Security Administration understands. At the Law Office of Carey Thompson, we’re here to take that burden off your shoulders. If cancer has taken you out of the workforce, we step in to handle the legal details so you can focus on your health.
Here’s how we support you throughout the process:
- We gather the right evidence—from medical records and lab results to physician statements.
- We complete and submit your application—making sure everything is accurate and on time.
- We manage all communication with the SSA—so you’re not left wondering what to do next.
- We help with appeals—reviewing denials, fixing issues, and preparing for hearings when needed.
Every step we take is designed to strengthen your claim and give you the best possible chance of approval. You’re not just a file on our desk—you’re someone facing real challenges. And we’re here to help you through them with care, clarity, and commitment.
Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Area with Compassion and Skill
Cancer can change everything—but it doesn’t have to leave you without support. If you can’t work because of your condition, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. At the Law Office of Carey Thompson, we’re here to help you understand your options and take the next step forward. Let us take some of the burden off your shoulders. Call today to schedule a consultation.