What Types of Cancer Qualify for SSDI Benefits?

 Posted on August 20, 2025 in Social Security Disability

A cancer diagnosis can interrupt work, family life, and financial stability. If treatment or symptoms make full-time work impossible, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may provide vital income. A Plano, TX SSDI attorney can explain how the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews cancer claims, the medical proof you need, and the steps to apply or appeal.

Types of Cancer Listed in the SSA Blue Book

The SSA’s medical listings, under Section 13.00, include many cancers that can meet disability rules when specific criteria are met. Common examples include:

• Leukemias (acute and chronic)

• Lymphomas (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin)

• Multiple myeloma

• Small-cell lung cancer

• Esophageal cancer

• Pancreatic cancer

• Liver and bile duct cancers

• Breast cancer with distant spread or recurrence after therapy

• Thyroid cancers with metastases or aggressive types

This list is far from comprehensive, and pediatric cancers appear in Section 113.00 with similar standards. The requirements depend on the type and stage of cancer, whether it remains after treatment, and whether it has spread.

How Does Cancer Qualify for SSDI Benefits?

There are two main paths to approval for SSDI benefits when you have a cancer diagnosis. First, you may meet or medically equal a Blue Book listing when records show the required elements. Second, even without meeting a listing, you can qualify if your symptoms and treatment side effects prevent you from working.

The SSA uses a five-step process in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 and evaluates residual functional capacity. This essentially means they try to determine what you can still do, physically and mentally, despite your medical condition. Strong evidence includes pathology reports, imaging, oncology notes, treatment summaries, and clear statements from your doctors about lifting limits, attendance, and needed rest breaks.

What Is Compassionate Allowance?

Compassionate Allowances (CAL) is the SSA’s way of fast-tracking claims for people facing the most serious medical diagnoses. If your cancer is inoperable, has spread widely, or carries a very poor outlook, your case may be flagged for priority handling. CAL does not change the legal standard for disability. It simply moves your claim to the front of the line once the diagnosis is documented in your records. This can mean a faster decision for you and your family during an already difficult time.

When Do Disability Benefits for Cancer Start?

The timing rules for SSDI for a cancer claim can be complex. What you should know includes:

• Five-month waiting period: SSDI benefits can start only after five full months from the disability "onset date," as set by Social Security under 42 U.S.C. § 423(c)(2).

• Duration requirement: Your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

• Back pay (retroactive benefits): If you applied after you became disabled, you may receive up to 12 months of back pay when your records support an earlier onset date.

• Reviews for improvement: Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1594, the SSA may later conduct a Continuing Disability Review to see whether your health has improved.

Contact a Collin County, TX SSDI Attorney Today

Cancer claims succeed with organized proof and persuasive explanations of work limits. The Plano, TX SSDI lawyers at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd offer more than 60 years of combined legal experience. Our team can prepare your application, pursue expedited handling when appropriate, and manage appeals. Contact us today at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd for a free consultation.