Applying for Disability with Cancer? Here’s How Evolvv Health Makes It Simple
The Challenge: Cancer, Work, and Disability Benefits
If cancer has made it hard or impossible to keep working, you may be eligible for monthly income from the federal government through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The process can seem confusing at first—lots of forms, medical records, and government steps—but that’s exactly why Evolvv Health exists.
The Evolvv Health Solution: Your Navigator & Advocate
We take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on your health and recovery. Think of us as your navigator and advocate, walking beside you from start to finish. Our job is to make the process as smooth, organized, and stress-free as possible.
Your Role vs. Our Role
Your job is simply to show up, share your story, and respond when we need your signature or a quick piece of information. Together, we’ll build the strongest possible case for your disability claim.
Here’s what the process looks like, step by step.
The Disability Application Process with Evolvv Health (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Your Free Disability Mapping Session
What It Is:
Everything begins with a simple 30-minute conversation. You don’t need to prepare anything formal—just tell us what’s been going on.
What We Cover:
During your Mapping Session, we’ll:
Listen to your story—your diagnosis, treatments, and how cancer has affected your ability to work or do daily tasks.
Review your work history to see if you’ve earned enough “work credits” to qualify for SSDI (most adults who’ve worked at least part-time for five of the past ten years do).
Check whether your household income and resources might also qualify you for SSI (the income-based program).
Estimate your possible monthly benefit and any “back-pay” you might receive once approved.
Identify whether your type or stage of cancer qualifies for expedited review under Social Security’s Compassionate Allowances or TERI (terminal illness) programs, which can shorten wait times.
The Outcome:
You’ll leave this call knowing whether applying makes sense for you, what benefits you could qualify for, and exactly what happens next. It’s free, confidential, and there’s no obligation.
Step 2: Onboarding – Making Evolvv Your Official Representative
What It Means:
If you decide to move forward, we’ll officially become your Appointed Representative with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This simply means you authorize us to handle the paperwork, communicate with SSA on your behalf, and keep your claim on track.
The Process:
Here’s what we’ll do:
Send secure e-signature forms—You’ll review and sign a few standard SSA forms electronically:
Form SSA-1696: appoints Evolvv Health as your representative.
Form SSA-827: allows your medical providers to release records to SSA.
A short fee agreement: explains our compensation: we only get paid if you win your case, and SSA sends our fee directly from your awarded back-pay (25% of back-pay, capped by law at $9,200).
Create your digital file: We set up a secure online folder to store your forms, test results, and correspondence so everything stays organized.
Explain your roadmap: You’ll receive a clear timeline of what we’ll do and what we’ll need from you.
Our Commitment:
From this point on, we handle nearly all communication with SSA16. You’ll never have to sit on hold or wonder who to call.
Step 3: Gathering Your Information and Medical Evidence
The Importance of Evidence:
The strength of your disability claim comes down to medical evidence—records that prove you meet Social Security’s definition of disability. We know exactly what the agency looks for, and we collect it for you.
How We Help:
Together we’ll:
Complete a simple online questionnaire about your work history, daily activities, and current limitations.
Compile your treatment history—oncologists, hospitals, medications, surgeries, side effects.
Gather employment and income documentation (usually recent W-2s or pay stubs).
Request all relevant medical records and test results from your doctors, using the signed release.
Ask your medical team for a short statement or form describing how your cancer limits your ability to work (for example, fatigue, neuropathy, or cognitive effects from treatment).
We coordinate all of this behind the scenes.
Your Role:
Your only job is to confirm your provider list and let us know if you see any new doctors or have new test results26.
Step 4: Preparing and Filing Your Application
The Forms We Complete:
Once we have the essentials, our team completes your official SSA application27:
SSA-16 – the main SSDI or SSI application
SSA-3368 – the Adult Disability Report that details your conditions and work history
Our Process:
We’ll review every answer carefully to make sure your information is clear, consistent, and complete. Then we’ll file your application electronically through SSA’s secure representative portal and upload all supporting medical evidence.
Your Confirmation:
You’ll receive a confirmation copy for your records32. At this stage, most clients tell us, “That was a lot easier than I expected”.
Step 5: The Review Period – What Happens Behind the Scenes
The DDS Role:
After your claim is filed, it goes to Disability Determination Services (DDS), a state-level agency that works for SSA. Their job is to review your medical evidence and decide whether your condition meets Social Security’s disability rules.
What to Expect:
Typical timeline: 3–5 months (sometimes faster for aggressive cancers).
Possible requests: DDS may ask for additional records or schedule a short “consultative exam” with one of their doctors. We’ll handle all coordination and prepare you for any appointment.
Updates: We check your case status regularly and send you monthly updates so you never feel left in the dark.
Your Role:
During this time, continue your normal medical care and keep us informed of any new treatments or hospital stays—these details can strengthen your case.
Step 6: Receiving a Decision
How You're Notified:
When SSA makes a decision, you’ll receive a letter in the mail41. We’ll get a copy too, and we’ll call you right away to explain what it means.
Possible Outcomes:
There are three possible outcomes:
Approved:
Great news! SSA agrees you meet their definition of disability.
You’ll soon receive a notice detailing your monthly benefit and back-pay amount (covering the months since you became unable to work).
SSA automatically withholds our approved fee from your back-pay and sends it to us directly—no out-of-pocket cost to you.
We’ll review your award with you and explain when to expect your first payment.
Denied:
Don’t panic. Most people are denied the first time—especially if their condition isn’t on SSA’s automatic list.
We’ll immediately review the reason for denial and, if appropriate, file an appeal (called a Reconsideration) within the required 60 days.
We update your medical evidence and address any issues SSA raised.
Needs more information:
Occasionally SSA requests clarification before deciding. We handle all follow-up communications to keep your claim moving.
Step 7: Reconsideration (The First Appeal)
Why Appeal?
If your initial application is denied, we don’t give up—you shouldn’t either52. About one-quarter of reconsidered cases are approved once stronger evidence is added53.
Our Process:
During this stage, we:
File the Request for Reconsideration and updated forms within the 60-day deadline.
Add new medical records and doctor statements showing how your condition has progressed.
Clarify any misunderstandings from the first review.
Your Experience:
You’ll continue receiving updates just as before. Most clients spend little to no additional time on this phase—it’s largely handled by our team.
Step 8: The Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
When it Happens:
If SSA denies your claim again, the next step is requesting a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Why Representation Matters:
This is your chance to tell your story directly—and it’s where representation matters most60.
How We Prepare You:
Case refresh: We collect any new medical evidence and write a short summary (“brief”) highlighting why you qualify under SSA’s rules.
Mock session: We’ll meet with you—by phone, video, or in person—to practice the types of questions the judge might ask and how to answer clearly and confidently.
Day of hearing: Your representative attends with you (virtually or in person), presents your case, and responds to the judge’s or vocational expert’s questions.
The Decision Timeline:
After the hearing, the judge will mail a written decision—often within two to three months64. Many clients win their benefits at this stage.
Step 9: Higher Appeals (If Needed)
Further Options:
If the judge’s decision isn’t favorable, you still have options66. We can request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council or, in rare cases, refer you to a specialized attorney for federal court.
Our Guidance:
Only a small number of cases go this far, but we’ll guide you through each option if it becomes necessary.
Step 10: After You’re Approved
Ongoing Support:
Our support doesn’t end when you win your claim.
What We Help You Understand:
Once your benefits begin, we’ll help you understand what comes next:
How and when you’ll receive your monthly payments.
How back-pay works and what portion (if any) may be withheld for taxes or Medicare premiums.
When your Medicare (for SSDI) or Medicaid (for SSI) coverage starts.
How to report any changes in health or income to SSA to stay compliant.
Information about the Ticket to Work program if you ever feel ready to return to part-time or full-time employment while keeping certain benefits.
Continued Check-ins:
We’ll also check in periodically to see how you’re doing and whether you need help with other resources—grants, travel assistance, meal programs, or counseling support76.
Why Choose Evolvv Health?
We specialize in cancer-related disability cases.
We understand how cancer treatment affects energy, focus, and the ability to maintain regular work77. We know which documentation carries the most weight and how to communicate your limitations compassionately but clearly.We do the heavy lifting.
From forms and follow-ups to medical record requests and appeals, we handle the paperwork and keep track of every deadline so you don’t have to.You stay informed and supported.
You’ll receive regular check-ins and have a dedicated contact who knows your case80. No long waits or confusing government letters—just clear updates in plain language81.No upfront cost or risk.
You pay nothing unless your claim is approved. Our fee structure is set by law and regulated by the Social Security Administration.Compassion and credibility.
Evolvv Health is survivor-led84. We combine lived experience with professional advocacy to create a process that’s as human as it is thorough.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Every case is different, but most clients see the following general timeline:
Stage | Typical Duration |
Initial Application Review | 3–5 months |
Reconsideration (if needed) | 3–4 months |
Hearing (if needed) | 8–12 months after appeal |
Total (average) | 4–12 months for approval, longer if appeals required |
Expedited Processing Note:
Remember: certain cancers—especially those that are metastatic, inoperable, or fast-progressing—may qualify for expedited processing, meaning decisions can come in just weeks87.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
We can’t guarantee approval. No one can.. The final decision rests with the Social Security Administration.. But with our experience and careful preparation, your claim will be as strong as possible.
You remain the claimant. We represent and guide you, but you’ll always have the right to review, sign, and receive copies of anything submitted in your name.
We protect your privacy. All information you share with us is confidential and handled according to federal privacy laws and HIPAA standards.
We follow SSA’s ethical rules for representatives. We’ll always be honest about your eligibility, avoid false promises, and keep you informed every step of the way.
You’re Not Alone in This
Applying for disability benefits is something no one plans for—but it can make all the difference during treatment and recovery. Our clients often tell us the same thing: “I couldn’t have done this on my own, and I didn’t have to”.
At Evolvv Health, that’s our goal. We guide you, hold your hand through each step, and do everything possible to help you reach the finish line. You focus on healing; we’ll focus on getting your benefits started.
Ready to see if you qualify?
Schedule your free Disability Mapping Session today. We’ll walk through your situation, answer your questions, and—if it’s a fit—start building your case immediately.
You’ve already faced the hardest part. Let us take it from here.
