Being diagnosed with cancer can be devastating. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer in Michigan, you will be facing a challenging time on many levels. You will need to establish medical care where a personalized treatment plan will be developed. If your condition has made working and earning a living impossible, you may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits.
Cancer can put your family in a financial strain because you aren’t bringing in your paycheck and because you have additional medical expenses. Disability benefits are paid monthly and can help with medical costs as well as your living expenses.
There are two different disability programs administered by the SSA. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on work history and credits earned while the second program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with financial need. To be approved for either program you must meet strict medical criteria.
Resources Available in Michigan
Michigan residents who have been diagnosed with cancer have a variety of resources available to help them and their family during the challenging time. These resources include doctors, specialists, cancer treatment centers, specialists, cancer support groups, and SSA field offices. Here are some of the resources that may benefit you in Michigan:
Michigan Hematology Oncology
15750 Northline Road
Southgate, MI 48195
(734) 283-7511
Henry Ford Allegiance Medical Oncology
1100 E Michigan Avenue Suite #307
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 205-1594
Franciscan Health Woodland Cancer Care Center Michigan City
8955 W 400 North
Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 861-5800
Cancer support groups in Michigan include:
Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor
2010 Hogback Road Suite #3
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 975-2500
The Lake House
23500 Pare Street Suite 1
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
(586) 777-7761
There are field offices of the SSA located throughout Michigan. Representatives at these field offices can help you apply for disability benefits. These representatives can also tell you what documentation and evidence you need to support your claim.
Legal Assistance from a Michigan Social Security Disability Attorney
It isn’t uncommon for a disability claim to be denied on the first review. If that happens, you will need to file a request for reconsideration. Documentation is the key to a successful disability claim, so you will want to make sure you gather up all your medical records and other supporting evidence. Your odds of being approved for disability benefits will increase greatly with the help of a Michigan disability attorney. Disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you will not pay anything out of pocket.
Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits in Michigan
If you are a cancer patient in Michigan who is unable to work because of cancer, you may be eligible to receive disability benefits. To learn more, or to start an application for disability benefits, visit www.ssa.gov or visit a local field office. Anyone living in Michigan can apply for SSI (or SSDI) at their closest Social Security office in Michigan.
