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Disability for Cancer

Having a diagnosis of cancer and going through chemotherapy and/or radiation doesn't guarantee you'll be approved for Social Security disability benefits by any means. Social Security will look at the type of cancer, whether the cancer has spread, your prognosis, and whether your inability to work is likely to last a year. Social Security also considers what side effects the treatment has on your functioning. Certain cancers, on the other hand, almost guarantee an expedited approval of benefits becase of their poor prognosis.  

Qualifying for Social Security disability benefits for cancer can be straightforward for some aggressive cancers.

If your cancer has spread or come back after a colostomy or ileostomy, you may qualify for disability.

To qualify for SSDI benefits or SSI based on breast cancer, you must be unable to work and your breast cancer must have lasted for one year or more -- or be expected to last a year or more.

If your kidney cancer is in its advanced stages, you will automatically qualify for benefits.

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