If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, such as pancreatic cancer, it can be challenging to know where to turn. You’re probably having to make difficult decisions about treatment options and wondering how you will continue working and paying your bills. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits that provide you with financial relief.
Discuss Your Case With a Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
Applying for and obtaining Social Security benefits can take months, but you may qualify for an expedited approval process if you have a severe condition like pancreatic cancer. Disability Advocates Group has helped many Los Angeles area residents obtain the Social Security benefits they deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn whether you qualify for expedited benefits.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer originates in the pancreas. Tumors can begin in the glandular tissue, called adenocarcinomas, and they can also start in the hormone-producing pancreatic cells called islet cells. People with chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, and a history of smoking are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than others. In addition, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age.
Sometimes pancreatic cancer can go undiagnosed until later stages because tumors can grow without producing any symptoms. For many people diagnosed with this form of cancer, the prognosis is poor. Radiation, surgery, and/or chemotherapy are available treatments.
Qualifying for Social Security Benefits Through a Compassionate Allowance
The Social Security Administration recognizes that some illnesses are so serious that applicants need to receive benefits immediately after applying. They don’t have time to wait for months and go through the appeals process. They created the compassionate allowance program, which allows some applicants to have their disability benefits approved in a matter of weeks rather than months or years.
Pancreatic cancer typically qualifies as a severe condition with an overall poor prognosis. Specifically, carcinoma (other than islet cell carcinoma) is eligible for a compassionate allowance. Most of the time, SSD applicants need to prove that their medical condition is severe enough that they are unable to work to qualify. In the case of pancreatic cancer, applicants do not need to prove that their condition is serious enough. They will only need to prove that they’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
As a result, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you are automatically qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. You will also be considered disabled for at least 24 months from the date you were diagnosed. Throughout those 24 months, you can continue receiving benefits, which means you and your family can begin receiving disability benefits even sooner, freeing you up to spend more time with your family and care for yourself.
Submitting a Pancreatic Cancer Application for Social Security Benefits
Those with pancreatic cancer of the exocrine cells are eligible for expedited approval of social security benefits. However, applicants are still required to complete a thorough and accurate application for benefits. Applicants must present all the correct documents with their application, including documents related to their diagnosis. Many first-time Social Security Disability applications are denied because they are inaccurate or do not include needed information.
It’s in your best interest to work with an attorney who can prepare your application for you. An attorney can ensure that the application is complete and help you obtain any documents or information you need. You don’t have to go through the application process alone. Working with an attorney makes it much less stressful.
What If I’ve Been Diagnosed With Islet Cell Carcinoma?
Islet cell carcinoma is a rare form of pancreatic cancer that affects approximately 5 percent of those diagnosed. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with islet cell carcinoma, you may not be eligible for compassionate relief, unless your carcinoma is physiologically active and is either unresectable or inoperable.
Even though you may not be eligible for a compassionate allowance, you can still qualify for benefits if you can show that you cannot work because of your diagnosis. Once you submit your application, the Social Security Administration will evaluate your condition and medical records using the Blue Book to determine your eligibility.
Understanding the Compassionate Allowance Process
Even with an expedited process, the Social Security Administration will need time to review your application. The attorneys at Disability Advocates Group can ensure that you submit a complete application with medical evidence that contains no errors. After reviewing your application, an examiner may request additional information or another examination to make sure you meet all of the compassionate allowance criteria for pancreatic cancer. The process is much faster and you could be approved for benefits within weeks.
Appealing a Denial of Your Pancreatic Cancer Claim
It isn’t unusual for the Social Security Administration to deny initial applications. Sometimes they deny applications involving serious medical conditions like pancreatic cancer. If you have received a notice that your claim has been denied, it’s important that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. You have the right to appeal the denial of your claim, but you will need to file a notice within 60 days of receiving the denial.
The attorneys at Disability Advocates Group have extensive experience fighting for clients whose benefits applications have been denied. We will represent you at every stage of the process, including at your disability hearing. You can rest assured that we will advocate strongly for you throughout the entire process.
Connect with a Los Angeles Social Security Disability Attorney Today
At Disability Advocates Group, our goal is to help California residents who are unable to work due to a medical condition obtain the benefits they need. Receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is devastating. Obtaining monthly Social Security benefits can help you and your family as you face the challenges ahead. Contact Disability Advocates Group today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about how we can help you apply for benefits.
