Allsup and SSDI Benefits
It’s important for you to work with your doctor to document the impact of the cancer on your life and abilities, and to reach out to an SSDI expert like Allsup to help you with your claim for Social Security benefits. – Ed Swierczek, Allsup
Belleville, IL (PRWEB) March 20, 2014
As colon cancer screening efforts gain visibility for their effectiveness, it’s important to remember the value of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for those with the disease, according to Allsup. The company, based in Belleville, Ill., has helped hundreds of thousands of people to receive SSDI benefits. Allsup joins hundreds of organizations nationwide to recognize March as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
“Colon cancer is among the top five cancers for the number of individuals receiving SSDI benefits,” said Ed Swierczek, Allsup senior claimant representative. SSDI is a federal insurance program that provides monthly income to people under full retirement age (65-67) with a severe disability lasting at least 12 months or a terminal condition. To apply for SSDI benefits and qualify, someone generally must be unable to work. SSDI is funded by FICA payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers.
“Many individuals who must quit working to deal with a cancer diagnosis and treatment may not realize the benefits available to them under the SSDI program,” Swierczek said. “It’s important to realize that you may be eligible for monthly income from Social Security because of the impact of colon cancer and your inability to work.”
Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is reported as the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2011, according to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), about 27,000 people received SSDI benefits due to a diagnosis of colorectal and related cancers.
The SSA addresses colorectal cancer in the SSDI program under medical listing 13.18. “The impact of the cancer, or the treatment or a combination of criteria, may provide the necessary findings to allow someone to receive SSDI benefits,” Swierczek explained.
For example, radiation treatment and chemotherapy may cause significant medical problems. The effects of medication also may reduce someone’s ability to continue working. It’s an indicator of possible eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits when the debilitating impact of the disease lasts for 12 months or longer.
“It’s important for you to work with your doctor to document the impact of the cancer on your life and abilities, and to reach out to an SSDI expert like Allsup to help you with your claim for Social Security benefits,” Swierczek said.
Click here to learn more about how to apply for Social Security disability benefits if you have cancer. Find more information about the benefits of a representative on http://www.Allsup.com.
For answers to specific questions about eligibility for SSDI benefits, contact an Allsup SSDI specialist for a free evaluation at (800) 678-3276.
About Allsup
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. For more information, go to Allsup.com or visit Allsup on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.
