Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Welcome back! This blog provides financial resources and information for people living with cancer. In this post, I want to focus on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and how it can help during your cancer journey.

Before we get started, I want to point out that the application process for SSDI requires time. It may be a good long-term goal, but do not expect a rapid determination/income with this benefit. Claims often take 3-6 months for review. SSDI requires that you have been “disabled” for six months to be eligible for benefits, so you have a few months to decide if this benefit is right for you.

What is SSDI?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSDI is a “program designed to provide long-term protection to individuals who are totally disabled using Social Security criteria. It is meant to provide benefits to only those individuals with the most serious impairments. For more information see General Information and the Definition of Disability”. The program provides monthly income to qualifying individuals.

It’s easy to confuse SSI (benefit for people with a lower income and a disability) and SSDI. Your amount of monthly income with SSDI is based on your income (and taxes that you paid) while working.

Are people living with cancer eligible for SSDI?

Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work “because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.”  That’s as hard to write, as it is to read. Typically, this benefit is for people living with metastatic cancer who plan to continue treatment for more than one year. Cancer patients who are experiencing long term side effects from their treatment may also qualify, although this can be more difficult.

Talk with your cancer treatment team to determine if you should start the application process. They can give you a better idea of the duration of your treatment and realistic expectations in returning to work. This is an emotional conversation, and you may be tempted to avoid talking about it. Being open and honest is the best way to move forward with this journey.

Health Insurance and SSDI:

Even though the word “insurance” is in the name, qualifying for SSDI does not initially include health insurance. You will get Medicare coverage automatically after you have received disability benefits for two years. Meanwhile, your options include paying for COBRA . In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for an extension of COBRA benefits if you qualify for SSDI. Your other options include coverage through your spouse’s plan, applying for state Medicaid, or purchasing a plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace (for more information, see Health Insurance Marketplace: Part 1- Medicaid & Special Enrollment Period).

How to apply for SSDI?

You can apply for SSDI online at Apply Online for Disability Benefits (ssa.gov), by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local social security office. Many offices are operating on limited hours during this time of social distancing, so make an appointment before you go. You can find your local office at Field Office Locator | SSA

For More Information:

Benefits for People with Disabilities (ssa.gov)

Disability Benefits – EN-05-10029 (ssa.gov)

COBRA Continuation Coverage Questions and Answers | CMS

Planning For Your Survivors | SSA

I hope this information is helpful.  If you would like to continue this conversation, please click on the Subscribe button at the top of the Blog page. I would love to hear your comments as well as resources that have worked for you. Please share this information with your family and friends.

Keeping you in my prayers,

Jackie