Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, but it often isn't diagnosed until it has spread or advanced to a late-stage cancer. According to the Social Security Administration, approximately 76% of people with ovarian cancer survive one year after diagnosis and about 45% survive five years from diagnosis.
Women who develop ovarian cancer are typically 55 years old or older. They may be nearing the end of their careers, but they may be forced to stop work early due to their illness. For some women, Social Security disability may be an essential benefit if they are unable to work and too young to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits.
Women With Ovarian Cancer May Qualify for Social Security Disability
Ovarian cancer is included in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book Listing of Impairments. Accordingly, a woman with ovarian cancer may qualify for Social 
Security disability if she meets the requirements described in Section 13.23(E). Specifically, a woman with cancer of the ovaries qualifies for Social Security disability benefits if she has a cancer, other than a germ-cell cancer, with at least one of the following:
- Extension beyond the pelvis
- Metastases to or beyond the regional lymph nodes
- Recurrent ovarian cancer following initial cancer treatment
Additionally, 13.23(E)(2) provides eligibility for a woman who has germ-cell ovarian cancer that is progressive or recurrent following initial cancer treatment.
A woman with ovarian cancer may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits even if she doesn't meet the requirements above. Someone with ovarian cancer may be eligible for disability benefits if her medical condition:
- Is equal in severity to another condition including in the Listing of Impairments
- Keeps her from engaging in substantial gainful activity
In some cases, an applicant with ovarian cancer may have her disability eligibility review sped up because of her condition.
Ovarian Cancer Is a Compassionate Allowance
The Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances Program allows the agency to expedite disability determinations for people with certain conditions. Medical conditions, such as ovarian cancer that are included on the Compassionate Allowances list do not automatically qualify a person for disability benefits. However, the application should be considered sooner so that the applicant waits less time for an eligibility determination.
How to Protect Your Social Security Disability Benefits
It may feel overwhelming to apply for Social Security disability while you are managing doctors' appointments, medications, and your health. However, Social Security disability may provide you with essential financial benefits that can provide comfort during this challenging stage of life.
You do not have to file your own application for disability benefits. Instead, you have the right to contact an experienced Massachusetts Social Security disability lawyer. Our law firm focuses our practice on people seeking disability benefits in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.
We will gather all relevant documentation, including but not limited to:
- Doctors' reports
- Ultrasounds
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Biopsy results
- Blood test results
- Treatment plans
Then, we will put together a complete and compelling disability application that leaves no questions in the reviewers' minds. The majority of Social Security disability applications are denied, often on technicalities. We will work hard to avoid this delay for you. However, if your disability application is denied, we will be ready to file an appeal.
Our lawyers don't want you to worry about legal costs right now. You will not owe us any hourly fees. Instead, we will be paid a previously agreed-upon percentage of any Social Security disability back benefits you recover.
We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We are happy to welcome you to our Natick Social Security disability law office or to meet with you by phone. Additionally, you can start learning more about how to protect your right to receive disability benefits by downloading a free copy of our book, Unlocking the Mystery: The Essential Guide for Navigating the Social Security Disability Claims Process.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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