If you are an Illinois resident and you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, you will have many challenges. You will want to make sure there is access to the best medical care available, and that a personalized treatment plan is used. Cancer can make it difficult to work and earn a living, so it will affect your entire family’s finances.
If your cancer diagnosis has left you unable to work and earn a living, you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits. You must provide supporting documentation that shows your diagnosis, your prognosis, the plan of treatment that you will follow, and that clearly indicates restrictions and limitations. Fortunately, Illinois has several resources for cancer patients.
Resources Available in Illinois
If you received a cancer diagnosis, you will want to take advantage of the Illinois cancer resources available to you. These resources can help you as you encounter the multiple challenges that you will face with your condition. These resources also offer you access to first-rate medical care and will help you find a way to face your financial challenges.
Medical facilities, support groups, and healthcare providers that focus on the treatment of cancer can be beneficial. Medical specialists, specifically, hematologists and oncologists, can benefit you significantly during this time. Some medical providers that specialize in the treatment of cancer in Illinois include:
Illinois Cancer Specialists of Fox Valley McHenry
4305 W Medical Center Drive
McHenry, IL 60050
(815) 363-0066
Illinois CancerCare
3105 Magory Drive
Bloomington, IL 61704
(309) 662-2102
Among Illinois cancer support groups is:
The Cancer Support Center
19645 South La Grange Road
Mokena, IL 60448
(708) 478-3529
The Social Security Administration has several field offices located throughout Illinois. You can meet with a representative at a field office to apply for disability benefits. Also, a representative can help you determine if you would qualify for disability benefits and what evidence you need to gather to make your claim successful.
Legal Assistance From An Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney
Initial disability claims are often denied. After the denial, you will need to provide more documentation and file a request for reconsideration. Often, claims must go before an administrative law judge before the Illinois claimant is approved for disability benefits. An Illinois disability attorney can help you gather up the supporting documentation and evidence that you need to get your disability claim on track. With the help of a disability attorney, you are much more likely to have your claim approved.
Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits in Illinois
If you live in Illinois and your cancer diagnosis has left you unable to work, you should apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. The SSA oversees two separate disability programs, one of which is based on work history and credits earned and the other is needs-based. Both have specific medical criteria that must be met. These monthly benefits can help with medical expenses and basic living expenses. You can start the application process online at www.ssa.gov or by visiting the nearest Social Security field office in Illinois. Some of the state’s field offices include:
Social Security Office
2127 W Lawrence Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Social Security Office
1670 Lebanon Avenue
Belleville, IL 62221
