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Prepare your case. Read about each benefit Consider your provider’s opinions and rec-
program. Understand what is required before ommendations about your ability to work. If
you apply. This will help you include the docu- you and your provider do not agree, you can seek
ments that are needed such as medical reports. other medical opinions. To qualify for benefits,
proof of your disability is required from a health
Get a copy of the Listing of Impairments care provider.
from the SSA (ssa.gov). Read about what
qualifies you as disabled. The SSA website Keep good records. Keep track of all letters,
provides good information about the medical bills and claims information. Also, keep notes
proof that is required. about discussions between you and your health
care team, the insurer and others. Write down
Talk with your physician and other mem- dates, names of people and what was said.
bers of your health care team. Tell them These records may be useful if there are ques-
about your symptoms. Give examples of how tions or concerns in the future. Always keep
this is affecting your work and personal life. copies of information received from or sent to
Ask that this be noted in your medical records. insurers and benefit programs.
This information will be important to the SSA
as your medical records are reviewed when you FIND HELP TO APPLY
apply for benefits.
Ask for help if applying for disability benefits seems
Talk with your health care team about too difficult. For example, a social worker, friend,
applying for disability benefits. Ask them to loved one or a nonprofit legal services group may be
write down treatment side effects and physical able to help you.
limitations in your medical records.
You can also contact nonprofit cancer organiza-
Talk with your health care provider to find tions for help with insurance and benefit matters.
out if he or she will support your applica- For example, call the Foundation’s cancer navi-
tion for benefits. If your provider believes you gation services toll-free at 855.220.7777 or go to
should not work for a while, ask him or her to LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp.
give you a note or letter stating why you should
not work at this time. You can contact the National Cancer Legal
Services Network to locate free legal services to
address insurance, employment and financial issues.
Visit nclsn.org and legalhealth.org for more information.
LIVESTRONG means finding health care benefits to get the best cancer care.
See the LIVESTRONG Guidebook Planner and Journal pages:
During Treatment: Keeping Important Records
Read more about living with cancer at LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp
• Individual and Group Health Insurance
• Disability Income Insurance
• Federal and State Benefit Programs
www.LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp J U S T D I A G N O S E D : F I N D I N G A S S I S TA N C E 71
