Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, Social Security Disability Benefits, and You
In 2017, there were over 56,000 new cases of thyroid cancer in the U.S. and just over 2,000 deaths from it. Compared to other cancers, there hasn’t been a particularly dramatic change in the number of cases, but that doesn’t mean that people should ignore it. If anything, the fact that this cancer often flies under the radar makes it dangerous because people may be lulled into a false sense of security.
Fortunately, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month is there to attempt to combat this mentality. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated in September, and it’s meant to promote awareness of thyroid cancer in an attempt to get people to support research and diagnose themselves as soon as possible.
For those living with thyroid cancer, it may be difficult to work. Oftentimes those with the illness, who cannot work, receive Social Security disability benefits. You may already be aware of thyroid cancer, but you may not be aware of some options you have for your financial survival. If thyroid cancer is keeping you from being able to work, you could be eligible for Social Security disability benefits that would allow you to focus on your recovery while still making sure that your bills get paid.
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month shares September with other awareness campaigns such as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month was first celebrated in 2003, though it started off as Thyroid Cancer Awareness Week in 2000.
According to the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, the goal of the month is to promote early detection and research to help eradicate the condition. It’s now celebrated worldwide, and the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association provides many free materials on how to detect it and why people should take it seriously. The American Cancer Society also provides free resources on thyroid cancer in an attempt to expand people’s knowledge of the condition.
How to Qualify for Thyroid Cancer with the Blue Book
To qualify for benefits, you’ll have to make sure that your condition fits into the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book guidelines. In the Blue Book, the SSA has a list of conditions that allow you to qualify for benefits. Thyroid gland cancer happens to be one of them.
The specific listing can be found in Section 13.09. In the Blue Book’s own words, you’ll qualify if you have “anaplastic (undifferentiated) carcinoma,” “carcinoma with metastases beyond the regional lymph nodes progressive despite radioactive iodine therapy,” or “medullary carcinoma with metastases beyond the regional lymph nodes.”
After identifying your condition, the next thing to do is prove to the SSA that you actually have it and that it keeps you from being able to work. Medical documents are essential if you plan to file a claim, so gather up your doctor’s notes, x-rays, medical scans, blood tests, and whatever other evidence you have available to confirm that your condition has left you unable to work.
How a Social Security Attorney or Advocate Could Help You Qualify
Getting all of those documents is easier said than done, as is applying for benefits by yourself. Although the process-- getting documents together and then applying--seems relatively straightforward, it’s easy to make mistakes on the application. Moreover, many applicants who don’t have legal representation can be denied on their first attempt to get Social Security benefits.
A lawyer can help you get the benefits you need to help you survive your thyroid cancer. The lawyer can manage your entire case, and if your claim is successful, the benefits can be life-changing. They allow you to concentrate on your health rather than worrying about how you’re going to pay your bills. Better yet, your lawyer won’t get paid unless you win your case, leaving you with a lot to gain and little to lose.
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month focuses on resources about detection and research. But if you have thyroid cancer, you also need to be aware of options that make your financial survival a bit easier. Having a Social Security disability attorney help you with your claim will allow you to do just that.
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