We’re sorry to hear about your illness.

Your case—even more than many others—will depend on the exact circumstances of your medical and financial conditions. We can’t give you a definite answer here, but we will be able to outline the key issues that will influence your decision whether to apply for SSDI based on a prostate cancer diagnosis.

About Prostate Cancer

The prostate gland is part of a man’s reproductive system, located under the bladder. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for men; nobody knows why. The rates of prostate cancer increase as men get older. Aggressive and invasive forms of this cancer are relatively rare. In most cases, the cancer grows very slowly and remains confined to the prostate gland.

Older men with slow-growing prostate cancer are much more likely to die from other causes than from the cancer. Because the standard forms of treatment can have a significant impact on the quality of life for men—impotence and bladder control problems are frequent complications—many patients prefer to delay treatment as long as possible. Other patients fear that a “wait and see” approach will leave them vulnerable if the cancer becomes aggressive, and they prefer immediate surgery.

You are taking a responsible course in discussing this matter with your oncologist. Also consider talking it over with your family doctor and perhaps another physician who often treats prostate cancer patients.

Disability Benefits for Prostate Cancer

You can only get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits with a prostate cancer diagnosis if you are unable to work. This requires submitting extensive medical records to the Social Security Administration to document the course of your disease and treatment. Most people who apply for SSDI have their initial applications rejected.

Based on the information you have provided so far, we believe you would be rejected for SSDI benefits. You are considering returning to work, which suggests that you feel well enough to carry on with your job. To be eligible for SSDI, you must not be able to work productively at any job for which you are qualified.

Then there’s the matter of your age. You are currently 62. Your normal retirement age under Social Security rules would be 66, but at 62 you are eligible for early retirement benefits. In normal circumstances, you cannot collect Social Security disability benefits if you are also eligible for retirement benefits.

Early retirement benefits may not suit your best interests in planning your financial future. Your monthly retirement income is significant reduced if you opt for Social Security benefits before the normal retirement age; the closer you get to age 66 before retiring, the smaller the penalty. Depending on your health and comfort level, continuing to work at your job for as long as possible may be better.

Getting Advice About Disability Benefits to Suit Your Complete Needs

Of course, we’re just working off the brief description of your situation as far as we know it. We can fine-tune our recommendations about SSDI benefits for your prostate cancer if you call us for a FREE consultation. Contact Schmidt Kramer at (717) 888-8888 toll-free to schedule a confidential case review with one of our experienced and compassionate lawyers.

Your unique circumstances may make you a good candidate for a Social Security disability claim. There is no charge for our consultation and we will never charge you legal fees unless we get a recovery for your case.