Disability

If you want to qualify for Social Security benefits, you need to meet two main requirements. Working with Social disability lawyers can help ensure you meet these criteria and present a strong case.

Financial Requirements:

  • You must have worked enough and recently enough.
  • Your income must be below a certain limit set by the SSA.

Medical Requirements:

Your cancer must meet at least one of these conditions:

  • It cannot be removed by surgery or treated effectively.
  • It has spread to other parts of your body.
  • It has returned after surgery or radiation.
  • It is a type called small cell (oat cell) carcinoma.

You’ll need to provide your full medical records to the SSA for review.

If you don’t meet these specific criteria, you may still qualify if your condition limits your ability to work any job.

What Does Throat Cancer Refers to?

Throat cancer refers to cancer that starts in the throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx). There are several types of throat cancer, categorized by where they begin:

  • Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Starts in the area behind the nose.
  • Oropharyngeal Cancer: Develops in the throat area behind the mouth, including the tonsils.
  • Hypopharyngeal Cancer: Begins in the area just above the esophagus and windpipe.
  • Glottic Cancer: Forms in the vocal cords.
  • Supraglottic Cancer: Starts in the upper part of the voice box.
  • Subglottic Cancer: Develops in the lower part of the voice box.

Early symptoms, such as a persistent cough or sore throat, are often mistaken for viral infections, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Other common symptoms include:

  • Voice changes, hoarseness, or unclear speech
  • A lump or sore in the throat that doesn’t heal
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Ear pain
  • Significant weight loss

Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment.

Qualifying for SSDI Benefits With Throat Cancer

Throat cancer can cause serious challenges, such as pain, loss of voice, difficulty eating, and significant weight loss. The side effects of treatment, like nausea and fatigue, can make it hard to work.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes throat cancer as a disabling condition under Section 13.02 of its Blue Book, which lists conditions that may automatically qualify for benefits.

To apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you need to meet these financial requirements:

  • Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months.
  • You must have worked in a job where you paid Social Security taxes for enough time and recently enough.

Your earnings must not exceed Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits:

  • $1,620 per month in 2025 for nonblind applicants.
  • $2,700 per month in 2025 for blind applicants.

If your income is higher than these limits or you haven’t worked enough to earn the required work credits, your claim will be denied.

If you meet Social Security’s financial requirements, you can qualify for disability benefits under Section 13.02 if your cancer meets one of these criteria:

The cancer cannot be surgically removed or treated effectively.The cancer has spread to other parts of your body.The cancer has returned after surgery or radiation.The cancer is a small cell (oat cell) carcinoma.

When evaluating your case, Social Security will look at:

  • Where the cancer is located.
  • How it has developed and spread.
  • How you’ve responded to treatment.
  • The severity of your symptoms after treatment.

You’ll need to provide Social Security with your complete medical records, including:

  • A cancer diagnosis.
  • A statement about where the cancer started.
  • Endoscopy test results.
  • Lab tests like blood and urine tests.
  • Imaging results (x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, PET scans).
  • Pathology reports.
  • Details of your treatments and how your body has responded to them.

These records help Social Security understand the impact of your condition and decide if you qualify for benefits.

Getting Approval For the Claims Can Be A Long Process. 

Most initial Social Security Disability applications are denied, but you can appeal the decision. Having legal representation greatly improves your chances of approval.

Social Security and disability lawyers can help at every stage of the process:

  • Initial Application and Reconsideration: Assist with filling out forms, submitting medical evidence, and preparing documents from your doctors.
  • ALJ Hearing (Administrative Law Judge): Ensure all evidence is complete, help you prepare for questioning, present an argument on your behalf, and question any doctors or vocational experts called by the judge.
  • Appeals Council and Federal Court: Present legal arguments to prove your case was unfairly denied.

Disability attorney fees are regulated by federal law, typically 25% of the backpay you are owed. There are no upfront costs, and if your case isn’t successful, you won’t be charged.