Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may provide compensation benefits, such as monthly income, to eligible mesothelioma patients under age 65 who are unable to work because of their condition and have paid a sufficient amount of Social Security taxes, among other requirements.
"Aaron Munz did an excellent and amazing job of guiding me through the process of setting up and gathering the proper information for getting my mesothelioma cla...." see more
Donald J.
Patient
"Because of you, my mother is going to be financially set once the settlements come in. Without your guidance, my father would probably have not gotten as far as...." see more
Starr G.
Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"They were able to help us find legal representation and charitable donations to support after the passing of my mother who had a 9-week battle with mesothelioma...." see more
Kerry G.
Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"The Mesothelioma Center was so helpful. I received so much information on mesothelioma. It really helped me understand how rare and difficult it is to treat. I ...." see more
Brittany G.
Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"My father was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. We as a family were devastated. We were uncertain where to even start, so we reached out to The Mesothelioma...." see more
Cindy R.
Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"My Dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and thankfully The Mesothelioma Center was the first place I called. Snehal Smart answered the phone immediately and was...." see more
You can think of Social Security Disability Insurance as a way to access your retirement benefits before you reach retirement age. This program is an important financial resource for mesothelioma patients younger than 65 who must stop working because of their cancer treatment.
After receiving Social Security disability benefits for two years, recipients also become eligible for Medicare coverage.
SSDI Eligibility for Mesothelioma Patients
You are younger than age 65.
You have earned enough work credits to receive Social Security retirement benefits.
You must stop working because of your cancer treatment.
You can provide medical documentation of your mesothelioma diagnosis.
If you have to stop working because of mesothelioma, it is almost always better to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, rather than applying to receive retirement benefits early.
When you apply for retirement benefits early, the Social Security Administration permanently reduces the amount of your fixed monthly income. But when you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, your fixed monthly income is calculated at the full amount.
How Much Is SSDI for Mesothelioma?
Monthly income from Social Security Disability Insurance is calculated the same as regular retirement benefits. It depends on your lifetime average earnings that were subject to Social Security taxes. The more Social Security taxes you paid, the larger your monthly benefit checks.
This program is not intended to provide any type of special compensation for developing occupational cancer.
How to Apply for SSDI
The best way to apply for SSDI is directly with the Social Security Administration. It provides an online tool and a phone number. A specialized mesothelioma lawyer also can help you file for benefits and review all the other financial resources that may be available to you.
Access Compensation for Mesothelioma
5.0 rating | 150+ reviews | A+ BBB
1 / 3
Social Security Compassionate Allowance for Mesothelioma
Normally, there is a five-month waiting period to receive disability benefits, but the Social Security Administration makes exceptions for malignant illnesses such as mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma patients automatically qualify for a compassionate allowance, which expedites processing and payment.
The key to securing a compassionate allowance is to make sure your application includes the right medical documentation. The gold standard is a pathology report that positively identified mesothelioma cancer cells in a biopsy sample.
If your claim documents are in order, you could begin receiving your monthly benefit checks within a month of the filing date. Otherwise, the Social Security Administration may order a medical evaluation, or you may have to file an appeal.
We’ll research what programs the patient’s state has in place for cancer patients and caregivers. We’ll also evaluate if the patient can qualify for any Social Security programs.
Supplemental Security Income for Mesothelioma
Supplemental Security Income can provide financial assistance to mesothelioma patients who have not earned enough work credits to receive Social Security Disability Insurance or retirement benefits.
When Should Mesothelioma Patients Apply for SSI?
You have very little income and assets.
You have not earned enough work credits to receive Social Security retirement benefits.
You can provide medical documentation of your mesothelioma diagnosis.
The medical eligibility requirements are the same as for Social Security Disability Insurance.
Supplemental Security Income is managed by the Social Security Administration, but it is not funded by Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program for disabled people with very little income and assets.
Mesothelioma patients who meet the income requirements for Supplemental Security Income usually are also eligible for their state Medicaid and food stamp programs. These benefits vary by state and claimant’s income level.
Karen Frantz
Verified Asbestos.com Survivor
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survivor Tackles Adversity with Faith
Despite being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2015, Karen Frantz stays strong in her faith. Frantz lives on Social Security disability with her daughter. “Mesothelioma can be a frightening reality to be faced with. The chance of recovery may seem grim,” Karen said. “But do not give up on life. When things look hopeless, you still can get through with a faith in God.”
How Much Is SSI for Mesothelioma?
As of January 2022, an individual living independently may receive up to $841 per month in Supplemental Security Income. The rate for a couple is up to $1,261. The rates are lower for people living in someone else’s care.
Many states provide additional assistance to supplement the federal program. Even with Supplemental Security Income, however, mesothelioma patients still face significant financial challenges. In many cases, other sources of asbestos compensation for victims provide much greater support.
Recommended Reading
Tell us what you think
Did this article help you?
How did this article help you?
What about this article isn’t helpful for you?
Did this article help you?
Thank you for your feedback. Would you like to speak with a Patient Advocate?
Your web browser is no longer supported by Microsoft. Update your browser for more security, speed and compatibility.
If you are looking for mesothelioma support, please contact our Patient Advocates at (855) 404-4592
Who Am I Calling?
Calling this number connects you with a Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center, the nation's most trusted mesothelioma resource.
Our Patient Advocates can help guide you or your loved one through the steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our team has a combined experience of more than 30 years in assisting cancer patients, and includes a medical doctor, an oncology registered nurse and a U.S. Navy veteran.
Our fact-checking process begins with a thorough review of all sources to ensure they are high quality. Then we cross-check the facts with original medical or scientific reports published by those sources, or we validate the facts with reputable news organizations, medical and scientific experts and other health experts. Each page includes all sources for full transparency.
Reviewed
Asbestos.com is the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
About The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com
Assisting mesothelioma patients and their loved ones since 2006.
Helps more than 50% of mesothelioma patients diagnosed annually in the U.S.
A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
5-star reviewed mesothelioma and support organization.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.
Lahav, J. (2024, July 12). SSDI for Mesothelioma. Asbestos.com. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/compensation/ssdi/
MLA
Lahav, Joe. "SSDI for Mesothelioma." Asbestos.com, 12 Jul 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/compensation/ssdi/.
Chicago
Lahav, Joe. "SSDI for Mesothelioma." Asbestos.com. Last modified July 12, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/compensation/ssdi/.
William A. Davis is an attorney specializing in complex commercial litigation, with an emphasis in health care disputes, at a firm he founded in Washington, D.C. He also serves as senior counsel at The Peterson Firm.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Inquiries
Mesothelioma Center - Vital Services for Cancer Patients & Families doesn’t believe in selling customer information. However, as required by the new California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you may record your preference to view or remove your personal information by completing the form below.
