Financial Support If You Can’t Work
A cancer diagnosis can bring big changes—not just to your health, but also to your ability to work. If treatment or side effects make it hard to continue in your job as before, disability insurance can help replace part of your income. These benefits may be available through federal or state programs, or through a private insurance plan. Knowing your options can help reduce financial stress so you can focus on your well-being.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs that offer financial support to individuals who meet certain disability criteria. Both are managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To receive disability benefits, your medical condition must meet the SSA’s specific definition of disability.
How the SSA Decides if You Qualify for Disability Benefits
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must meet the SSA’s definition of disability:
- You cannot do your current job
- You cannot adjust to a new type of work
- Your disability has lasted (or is expected to last) at least one year, or it is expected to result in death
The SSA Process to Determine Eligibility
Step 1: Current Work Status
Are you currently working and earning more than the yearly Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit?
Yes: You will not be considered disabled under SSDI
No: Move to Step 2
Step 2: Severity of Your Condition
Is your medical condition severe enough to limit your basic work activities?
Yes: Move to Step 3
No: You will not be considered disabled
Step 3: Listed Disabling Conditions
Is your condition included in the SSA’s official list of disabling conditions? (Breast cancer is on this list.)
Yes: You are considered disabled
No: Move to Step 4
Step 4: Ability to Do Previous Work
Can you still do the work you did before?
Yes: You will not be considered disabled
No: Move to Step 5
Step 5: Ability to Do Other Work
Can you adjust to any other type of work based on your age, education, and skills?
Yes: You will not be considered disabled
No: You will be considered disabled
Understanding SSI and SSDI
Social Security offers two programs that may provide financial support if you are living with a disability as a result of breast cancer: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While both can help replace lost income, the qualifications, payment amounts, and benefits differ.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
You may be eligible for SSI if you:
- Have limited income (exact limits vary by state)
- Meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of “disabled”
Key points about SSI:
- Monthly payments are capped at a set federal amount
- Many states add their own supplemental payment
- Payments start the first full month after your disability begins
- In some states, qualifying for SSI also means you automatically qualify for Medicaid
- It is possible to receive SSI and SSDI at the same time
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
You may qualify for SSDI if you are “insured,” which means you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes to earn work credits
How work credits are earned:
- Credits are based on your yearly wages or self-employment income
- You can earn up to four credits per year
- You can check your credits by creating a “My SSA” account at ssa.gov/myaccount
Other SSDI details:
- Your monthly benefit is based on your salary history, up to a maximum amount
- After receiving SSDI benefits for two years, you will be eligible for Medicare
Receiving SSDI and Private Long-Term Disability (LTD) Benefits
If you have LTD coverage through your employer or purchased privately, your policy may require you to apply for SSDI. What to know:
- LTD benefits often start before SSDI is approved
- If SSDI is denied, your LTD provider may help you appeal
- If SSDI is approved, you may receive back payments or retroactive payments
- If your LTD policy covered those same months, you may need to repay the LTD company—wait before spending SSDI back pay
- You can receive both SSDI and LTD benefits, but the LTD payment will usually be reduced by the SSDI amount
Example: If LTD covers 80% of your salary and SSDI covers 60%, SSDI would pay the 60%, and LTD would cover the remaining 20%.
If Your Application is Denied
Many SSDI and SSI applications are denied at first. You can appeal, but you must follow the deadlines and instructions carefully. Work with your healthcare team to gather documentation for your case.
Appeal Process:
- Request for Reconsideration. Your claim is reviewed by a different SSA representative. (This step is skipped in AL, AR, CA [Los Angeles North/West only], CO, LA, MO, NH, NY, and PA.)
- Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. Usually held within 75 miles of your home.
- Appeals Council Review. May uphold or overturn the judge’s decision, or refuse review if the decision is deemed correct.
- Federal Court Review. If you disagree with the Appeals Council’s decision or they decline review, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court.
