Social Security has an obligation to provide benefits quickly

When I applied for social security, I also applied for disability based on my ICC diagnosis, surgery and chemo treatment. The claim was expedited, but I was rejected for disability with no explanation other than I could appeal. Since my husband has now decided to retire, in two months, I will be bumped up to the spousal rate, which is actually about $10 more than disability. Still, it was somewhat of a shock. I haven’t been able to work since January due to all the testing, surgery, recovery, blood clots and now chemo, and a diagnosis of ICC,, but that wasn’t enough. I’m “guessing” that since I had surgery, it puts me into the category of being “cured” until maybe the cancer returns and staging changes. Of course, I”m hoping that doesn’t happen….and with the dollar amount for me being similar…now with my husband’s retirement on SS effective in August, it seems to be a no-brainer, but for someone who isn’t of retirement age as I am, it could be a real issue. The only thing I will miss out on….by just doing the social security will be being able to be on Medicare at age 64. However, since we have a good retiree’s insurance plan….which is basically the same plan we’re on now, I think we’d rather stick with what we have anyway as we have great leeway in where we go for medical care with this plan. But again….for someone now in our position, the denial of disability benefits for ICC for someone with my profile, this may become a big financial problem. I would appeal, and fight for the disability designation, just to get it done for others to come, but right now, it’s all I can do keeping my head above water with the chemo and family obligations. Maybe I will give an appeal a try in July…..before the 60 day deadline…once I get past all the family stuff going on in June.

I am extrahepatic and received SSDI right away. I applied in Jan. 2014 and heard back from them in Feb saying they approved and my first check was deposited by the end of Mar. A few questions over the phone and I did not have to see their Doc in order to qualify. That was it.
jgo

We didn’t need it as CIGNA came through like a breeze however, we did find out that if the Insurance Company said no to a PET Scan the ONC intervened and the no became a yes. So not be afraid to ask your Doctors to intervene.