Can I Get Long-Term Disability Benefits For Cancer?
Cancer is one of the most dreaded diagnoses you can receive from your doctor. While no longer the death sentence it once was, symptoms you suffer can interfere with your ability to work or engage in your usual activities while the side-effect of treatments can be devastating. In addition to protecting your health, one of your primary concerns during this difficult time is likely to be continuing to provide for your family. Long-term disability benefits available through your employer can help you make ends meet. However, while you may be eligible, getting your claim approved can be challenging.
Cancer And Long-Term Disability Benefits
Symptoms of cancer are often subtle at first and vary depending on the type you have. However, as you progress through the various cancer stages, these are likely to get increasingly more severe. According to the National Cancer Institute, common symptoms of cancer include:
- Changes in bowel or urinary habits;
- Changes in hearing or vision;
- Chronic coughing or hoarseness;
- Excessive bruising or bleeding;
- Fatigue;
- Fever and night sweats;
- Headaches and other neurological problems;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Swelling or lumps on different parts of the body;
- Weight loss or gain for no known reason.
Catching cancer early improves your odds of recovery. If you are diagnosed with stage one or two cancer, the discomfort you experience may not prevent you from working, but some of the side effects of treatments you undergo could be severe. These side effects may make you eligible for long-term disability benefits.
Filing A Long-Term Disability Claim For Cancer
In addition to the adverse side effects of cancer treatment, general symptoms you suffer at stage three or four of the disease could impact your ability to perform your job. Regardless of your current condition, one of the first steps you need to take is to review employer-provided benefits. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires your employer to provide copies of all benefit-related documents, free of charge and at your request.
It is also important to get verification of your condition and potential disabilities from your doctor and to begin keeping copies of all medical records. You will need these in filing your claim. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people with cancer to have claims denied. If this happens, be aware you have the right to file an appeal. It is also not uncommon to get approved for disability benefits, only to have them stop if you go into remission. Our Florida long-term disability attorney can help you in either of these situations, providing the legal guidance you need to get the maximum amount of benefits you deserve.
Let Us Help You Today
At Farrell Disability Law, we act as a strong advocate on behalf of people who are diagnosed with cancer, helping them get the disability benefits they are entitled to. Contact our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer and request a consultation in our office to discuss your options today.