Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

You qualify for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program if you are no longer able to work, you have worked long enough and recently enough, and you paid Social Security taxes on your earnings. If you qualify, the program pays benefits to you and certain family members. Refer to this government website for all the details: ssa.gov/benefits/disability/.

While each case is different, many NET patients who are eligible based on employment history generally meet the medical qualifications for SSDI, especially if you have liver metastases that cannot be surgically resected. In general, and very simply, the requirements are that you will live longer than a year, and that the condition is not curable. Those who qualify for SSDI will be eligible for Medicare coverage, but not until two years after the SSDI benefits start. You might consider hiring an attorney who specializes in SSDI. Generally you can receive a free consultation that will outline the legal services provided and what they can do for you. There is a fixed fee for this service that is limited to no more than two months of SSDI payments.

We should also note that some employers provide and/or carry disability insurance policies for their employees. This can be short-term and/or long-term disability coverage. If this is the case, you may want to consult with HR about what options are available to you in the event that your disease makes it impossible for you to continue working.