Free Social Security Benefits for Mesothelioma Patients

You may be entitled to expedited benefits for your asbestos-related injuries. Asbestos.com can help you with the process of receiving social security disability payments. For more please fill out the form below or give us a call at 1-800-615-2270. We are happy to help.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Benefits?

Anyone who has paid into the Social Security system and is not already drawing Social Security retirement can tap into Social Security's disability program, if they are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma. Social Security disability benefits are offered to people who have paid into the system and have medical conditions that make it impossible to work for at least one year or have conditions that are expected to result in that applicant's death.  Although many claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, some diseases are considered so severe that they automatically qualify a patient to receive disability benefits.

Compassionate Allowances

Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are both recognized as illnesses that indicate obvious impairment and allow patients to file for a "Compassionate Allowance." Compassionate allowances were arranged by the Social Security Administration to speed up the compensation process for patients with certain illnesses. Currently, 100 conditions are considered so severe that little other documentation other than a medical diagnosis is necessary. Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma patients meet the Compassionate Allowance definition of disability, allowing their claims to be processed more quickly than ordinary applications.

How Do I Get Social Security Benefits for Mesothelioma?

Even if you have been diagnosed with pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma and are automatically qualified to receive Social Security disability benefits, the process of filing the claim can be difficult. Applications can be made online, over the phone or at a regional office, but there are a high number of applicants and you may have to wait to complete the forms. The application itself can also be tricky. It will require information from several personal documents, including a birth certificate, social security card and medical records such as biopsy results and pathology reports. You will also need your bank account information so the agency knows where to deposit your payments.

The typical process of applying for Social Security benefits can stretch across several months. Because of their ability to file for compassionate allowances, pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma patients may receive their benefits more quickly, but they still may have to wait several weeks.  For more information about Social Security benefits, contact the Mesothelioma Center's Patient Advocates at (800) 615-2270 for free assistance.

Once you receive your Social Security benefits, you may be required to pay taxes on the deposits, but the funds are yours to use however you need to use them. The Social Security Administration requires that food and shelter needs must be met first, but other funds can be used for medical or dental care not covered by insurance policies, while any leftover payments can be used for personal needs. Nursing home charges can be paid for by Social Security benefits as well.

Other Benefits for Mesothelioma Patients

Social security benefits are only one of several sets of benefits that mesothelioma patients can apply for. Veterans may be eligible for veterans benefits, while some mesothelioma patients may qualify for worker's compensation.  Additionally, mesothelioma patients have the option of filing an asbestos related legal claim to obtain additional financial assistance for their medical bills. To learn more about your various options for getting government benefits or financial assistance, refer to our legal section.