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.
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.
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. (2023, March 23). SSDI for Mesothelioma. Asbestos.com. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/compensation/ssdi/
MLA
Lahav, Joe. "SSDI for Mesothelioma." Asbestos.com, 23 Mar 2023, https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/compensation/ssdi/.
Chicago
Lahav, Joe. "SSDI for Mesothelioma." Asbestos.com. Last modified March 23, 2023. https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/compensation/ssdi/.
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 have to stop working because of their cancer treatment.
After receiving Social Security disability benefits for two years, recipients also become eligible for Medicare coverage.
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.
SSDI Eligibility for Mesothelioma Patients
You are younger than age 65.
You have earned enough work credits to receive Social Security retirement benefits.
You have to stop working because of your cancer treatment.
You can provide medical documentation of your mesothelioma diagnosis.
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.
Social Security Benefits for Mesothelioma Patients
Our Patient Advocates can help walk you through the application process.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 mesothelioma compensation provide much greater support.
