Allsup Explains Ways Social Security Disability Insurance Helps Cancer Survivors Manage Significant Economic Burdens

BELLEVILLE, IL--(Marketwired - Nov 25, 2014) -  Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are an important financial, healthcare and re-employment resource for U.S. cancer survivors who cannot work during or after treatment, and experience lost income and increased healthcare costs, according to Allsup, a nationwide SSDI representation company.

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that from 2008-2011, male cancer survivors had annual medical costs of more than $8,000 per person, and productivity losses of $3,700 compared to males without a history of cancer at $3,900 and $2,300 respectively. During the same time, female cancer survivors had $8,400 in annual medical costs per person and $4,000 in productivity losses compared to females without a history of cancer at $5,100 and $2,700, respectively.

"This study has quantified something that anyone with any personal experience with cancer already knows," said Tai Venuti, Allsup manager of Strategic Alliances. "For many people, the financial costs are much higher, and are in addition to extreme physical, psychological and emotional demands. Knowing that you have a steady source of income, even when you can no longer work, removes some of that stress so you can devote more energy and time to your health.

"SSDI was created to help individuals in these circumstances by providing a monthly cash benefit based on their contributions to the program through their FICA taxes."

SSDI helps with finances

The average monthly SSDI payment in 2014 is $1,148 and is projected to be $1,165 in 2015 with the annual cost-of-living adjustment. Filing for SSDI also can help cancer survivors protect their retirement income by "freezing" their Social Security earnings records during their period of disability. Because the years in which they collect SSDI benefits are not counted when computing future benefits, Social Security retirement benefits may be higher than if earnings were averaged over a greater number of years.

SSDI helps with healthcare

Healthcare costs may be mitigated with access to Medicare 24 months after SSDI cash benefits begin. Click here to see Allsup's detailed explanation of the full range of SSDI benefits, including information on dependent's benefits.

SSDI helps with re-employment

When and if they are able to re-enter the workforce, cancer survivors who receive SSDI are also eligible for Social Security's Ticket to Work program, which offers career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training.

Allsup helps with SSDI screening and application

Cancer patients and survivors who have not been able to work or anticipate not being able to work for 12 months or more may be eligible for SSDI benefits. Request a complimentary evaluation at Expert.Allsup.com or by calling (888) 841-2126.

ABOUT ALLSUP

Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal and Medicare services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis. For more information, go to Allsup.com or visit Allsup on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.