How to Apply for Disability Payments During Cancer Treatments

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be interested in applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. While you may wish to visit a Social Security office to begin the disability application process, you can also apply for disability benefits by telephone or online. Before applying for SSD or SSI, be sure to have your oncologist's or other medical provider's contact information handy and then follow a few simple steps to begin the application process. Note: Completing the application process does not guarantee you will receive disability benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Physician(s) contact information

Instructions

Steps for Applying Online

1. Enter www.socialsecurity.gov in your browser. Click on "Disability" at the top of the page, then "Apply for disability benefits."

2. Choose the appropriate category for your age. If the application is for yourself and you are an adult, click on "Adult (age 18 or over)."

3. Read through the overview and application instructions on the page titled, "Apply for Disability Benefits - Adult (Age 18 or Over)." You will be instructed to read the "Adult Disability Starter Kit" before filling out the online application.

4. Right click on "online application for Social Security Benefits" in step 2 to begin the application process in a new tab or window. Leave the original window open as you will need to return to it.

5. Click on "Using this application" to learn about information required to apply. Read through "Using This Disability Application" and all enclosed links and then return to the online application. Click on "Privacy Act Statement." Read the statement and then return to the application.

6. Under "To Start The Application Process...," check the appropriate category for yourself and mark the box confirming you have read the Privacy Act Statement. Click on the "Apply for Benefits" button.

7. Fill out the first page of the application. Click "Next" to go to the next page. Continue filling out each page until the application process is complete. Take note of any follow-up instructions.

8. Return to the original window and click on "Adult Disability Report" in step 3 to complete the "Adult Disability and Work History Report."

Steps for Applying by Phone

1. Call [phone]. Follow the voice prompts to choose your desired language.

2. Wait for a representative to answer your call. When the representative answers, explain that you have been diagnosed with cancer and you want to apply for disability benefits.

3. Begin the application process by answering any questions the representative asks.

References

• U.S. Social Security Administration: Disability & SSI