Step 1: Understand the Eligibility Requirements

To apply for SSDI in Oregon, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:

• Work History: You must have worked in jobs where you paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient number of years. The amount of work required depends on your age at the time you become disabled.
• Disability Definition: You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Cancer is a condition that qualifies under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability if it is severe enough to impair your ability to work.

In addition to meeting the above requirements, you’ll need to prove that your cancer is severe enough to qualify for SSDI. This includes proving that your cancer limits your ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) — meaning the ability to work and earn a living.

Step 2: Gather Medical Documentation

One of the most critical parts of your SSDI application for cancer is providing comprehensive medical documentation. The SSA will need to understand the severity of your cancer and how it impacts your ability to work. Here’s what you need to do:

• Get Detailed Medical Records: Collect all records from your doctors, hospitals, and clinics related to your cancer diagnosis, treatment, and any other relevant information. These records should include lab results, pathology reports, chemotherapy or radiation treatments, surgical history, and any hospital stays.
• Include Your Oncologist’s Notes: Your oncologist’s notes explaining your diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis are crucial. If your doctor can provide a statement regarding how your cancer impairs your ability to work, it will strengthen your claim.
• Include Records of Treatment Side Effects: If you experience significant side effects from cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiation), make sure to include this information in your application. The SSA will consider the combined impact of your cancer and the side effects of treatment.

Step 3: Complete the SSDI Application

Once you’ve gathered your medical documentation, the next step is to submit your application. There are several ways to apply for SSDI benefits in Oregon:

• Online Application: The easiest and quickest way to apply is through the SSA’s online portal. You can complete the SSDI application at your own pace, and it’s available at www.ssa.gov. Before applying, be sure to gather all the necessary documentation.
• Phone Application: You can also apply over the phone by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. They will schedule an appointment for you to apply over the phone if you prefer not to do it online.
• In-Person Application: If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit your local SSA office in Oregon. The SSA has field offices across the state, including offices in Portland, Eugene, Salem, and other cities. You can use the SSA’s office locator tool online to find the nearest office to you.

Step 4: SSA’s Evaluation Process

Once you’ve submitted your application, the SSA will review your case to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI. The SSA evaluates your application based on a five-step process:

• Step 1 – Are You Working?: If you are working and earning above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold, the SSA may determine that you are not disabled. In 2025, the SGA threshold is $1,470 per month ($2,460 for blind individuals).
• Step 2 – Is Your Condition Severe?: The SSA will determine whether your cancer is severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work activities. For cancer, the severity is determined based on how it affects your ability to function.
• Step 3 – Does Your Condition Meet or Equal a Listing?: The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments for various medical conditions. Cancer is listed under Malignant Neoplastic Diseases in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments. If your cancer is on this list, and your condition meets the SSA’s criteria (including staging, treatment history, and ongoing symptoms), your claim will likely be approved.
• Step 4 – Can You Do Your Previous Work?: If your condition is severe but you can still perform your previous job, your claim may be denied. However, if your cancer prevents you from doing your past work, the SSA will move to the next step.
• Step 5 – Can You Do Any Other Work?: If you cannot perform your previous work, the SSA will evaluate whether you can do any other type of work based on your skills, education, and age. If you cannot do any other work, you may be approved for benefits.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

After you’ve submitted your application, the SSA will review your claim and make a decision. In Oregon, the approval process for SSDI claims typically takes 3 to 5 months. However, the wait time can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the SSA’s workload.

If your claim is approved, you will start receiving monthly SSDI benefits. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Step 6: Appeal a Denial

If your SSDI claim is denied, don’t be discouraged. Many people who are initially denied SSDI benefits for cancer are approved after going through the appeals process. Here are the steps you can take:

• Request a Reconsideration: The first step in the appeal process is to request reconsideration. This means the SSA will review your claim again, along with any additional evidence you submit.
• Request a Hearing: If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At the hearing, you will have the chance to present your case and any new evidence, including testimony from your doctors or other experts.
• Appeal to the Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the SSA’s Appeals Council.
• Federal Court: If the Appeals Council denies your case, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.