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Agency supports people battling cancer

The Hastings Banner - 6/7/2018

In 2018, more than 1 million people around the world will be diagnosed with cancer. This alarming statistic affects people and families everywhere. The Social Security Administration encourages people to get checkups that provide early detection. Staff also wants to raise awareness through education and recognize the survivors who have gone through this battle or are still living with the disease.

Social Security supports people who are fighting cancer. We offer support to patients dealing with this disease through our disability program. People with certain cancers may be eligible for a Compassionate Allowance. Compassionate Allowances are cases where individuals have medical conditions so severe they clearly meet Social Security's disability standards, allowing us to process the cases quickly with minimal medical information.

No special application or form is required to submit for Compassionate Allowances. Simply apply for disability benefits using the standard Social Security or Supplemental Security Income application. Once we identify you as having a Compassionate Allowance condition, we'll expedite your disability application.

Social Security establishes Compassionate Allowance conditions using information received at public outreach hearings, from the Social Security and Disability Determination Services communities, from medical and scientific experts, and from data based on our research. For more information about Compassionate Allowances, including the list of eligible conditions, visit socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.

Some illnesses are more disabling than others, and Social Security tries to treat everyone with equal compassion relative to their condition. If you think you qualify for disability benefits based on a Compassionate Allowances condition, visit socialsecurity.gov to apply for benefits.

Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.

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