Leukemia and Nebraska & Iowa Social Security Disability Benefits

Are you an individual suffering from chronic or acute leukemia and cannot work due to this disease? Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects more than 40,000 people per year. Currently, there is no cure for leukemia. Leukemia occurs when blood cells in the bone marrow grow out of control.

Leukemia usually starts with some common symptoms such as:

• prolonged bleeding
• bruising
• weakness
• weight loss
• infections
• pain & swelling in joints

The earlier leukemia is detected, the more likely it can be treated effectively.  This cancer is highly dangerous, but also highly treatable. Some treatments may include:

• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• other kinds of drug therapy
• stem cell transplants

Being diagnosed with leukemia can possibly mean a major lifestyle change. Although treatments of these cancers are highly effective and can allow those individuals diagnosed with this cancer to still function and enjoy life, they do not cure the cancer and often leave many side effects that may significantly reduce the quality of life for those who suffer from the disease.

If you have been diagnosed with leukemia and are unable to work because of it, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration’s “Listing of Impairments” outlines the criteria that qualify an individual with leukemia for disability benefits.

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you should provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) medical proof of your condition supported by doctor’s exams, imaging technology, blood tests, etc. In addition, if this information also includes statements from your physician(s) asserting that you are unable to work because of your leukemia, it may be beneficial in winning your claim.

Nebraska and Iowa Social Security disability attorney Patrick B. Cavanaugh realizes that dealing with a diagnosis of cancer may be difficult enough, but dealing with financial problems because you can’t work due to this diagnosis may make it that much more difficult to deal with. Individuals that find that they are unable to work due to leukemia are encouraged to apply for disability benefits.

If you choose to move forward with the disability application process, contact disability attorney, Patrick B. Cavanaugh for a free case evaluation.  Mr. Cavanaugh and his staff are knowledgeable about the disability claims process and are highly capable of assisting you through each step of the claims and appeals process.  Call 800-342-3352 for your free consultation.  www.thecavanaughlawfirm.com

Social Security Increases Benefits by 1.7% for 2013

Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2013 will increase 1.7 percent.

The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will start in January 2013 for Social Security Disability beneficiaries, the increased payments to SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2012, a Social Security Disability beneficiary who receives, $1,000, this year will increase to $1,016.70.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola

If you have a question about the Social Security Disability process, please call Attorney Patrick B. Cavanaugh at 1-800-342-3352 for a free consultation.

Survey Finds Private Disability Insurance is Not the Norm

Only one-third of Americans working in the private sector have private disability insurance.  This means that by a two-to-one margin Social Security disability is the only safety net if they become unable to work. Is it any wonder that the Social Security disability system is struggling to meet its obligations to disabled Americans? For more, see http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/01/most-workers-lack-disability-insurance-survey-finds/

If you are a Nebraska and Iowa disability claimants who has been disabled, regardless if you do or do NOT have private disability insurance we will help you navigate the process. Nebraska and Iowa Social Security disability attorney Patrick B. Cavanaugh can provide assistance and a free consultation.  Call today 800-342-3352.