Can I help my nephew apply for SSDI during cancer treatment without POA? SS not answering phones

I went through this with my daughter last year. The SSA office WILL talk to parents of adult children, but they need to bring documentation. Your brother should bring: 1. His own ID 2. Your nephew's ID, SSN card, and birth certificate if possible 3. ALL recent medical records showing the diagnosis 4. A signed statement from your nephew authorizing his father to speak on his behalf (doesn't need to be notarized, just signed) The SSA can start a "compassionate allowance" application which fast-tracks cases with certain severe medical conditions like brain tumors. Make sure your brother mentions this specifically. Also, be aware that SSDI requires work credits, while SSI is needs-based. Your nephew might qualify for one or both depending on his work history and financial situation.

The SSA is IMPOSSIBLE to reach by phone lately!!! I tried for 2 WEEKS straight and never got through. Going in person is definitely better but get there AT LEAST an hour before they open to get in line. And yes they will talk to his father but they'll be limited in what they can do without an official representative form. Have your nephew sign Form SSA-1696 if he's able to - look it up online and print it. That designates his dad as his official representative. If he can't sign because of his condition, there's a different process for emergent medical situations but it's more complicated.

I help clients navigate this process all the time. For brain tumor cases, SSA has what's called the Compassionate Allowance program that fast-tracks applications for clearly qualifying conditions. Your nephew's case should qualify. As for representation, there are actually three options: 1. Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative) - good if your nephew can sign 2. Form SSA-3288 (Consent for Release of Information) - allows limited information sharing 3. For dire medical situations, SSA can sometimes work with immediate family with just proof of relationship and medical necessity Specifically for brain tumors, have his doctor complete an RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) form detailing his limitations. This makes the process much smoother. Your nephew might also qualify for the SSDI Presumptive Disability program, which provides immediate temporary payments while the full application is processed.

I had to help my son apply during his leukemia treatment last year. It was a NIGHTMARE trying to reach someone at SS. After days of calling I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a SS agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Your brother can actually start the SSDI application online even without your nephew present. He can fill out the basic info, then when he talks to an agent, explain the situation. They deal with medical emergencies like this all the time. Bring all his medical records and ask the doctor for a letter specifically stating that your nephew cannot work for at least 12 months. That's crucial for approval.

Just want to add - make sure your brother understands the difference between SSI and SSDI! They're completely different programs with different eligibility. Since your nephew is in his 40s, he probably has enough work credits for SSDI which is better because it comes with Medicare after 24 months. If he qualifies for both, he should apply for both. The applications can be done simultaneously. Also, there's a 5-month waiting period for SSDI payments to start from the onset date, even with approval. This catches a lot of people by surprise when budgeting.

when my husband got cancer last year his sister tried to help with SS stuff and they wouldn't even talk to her!!! they were super strict about it had to be me or nobody. but his parents were able to help once we signed some papers. its totally random who you get at the office some are helpful some are HORRIBLE.

my cousin has brain cancer too and got approved in just 3 weeks with compassionate allowance! make sure they check that box on the application its super important. also he should apply for the medicare too even though theres a waiting period still better to get it started now.

For the appointment, your brother should bring a letter from the treating physician that includes: 1. Specific diagnosis (including ICD-10 code if possible) 2. Prognosis and expected duration of disability (must be at least 12 months) 3. Current treatment plan 4. Specific statement about inability to work This will significantly speed up the process. The Compassionate Allowance program for brain tumors typically processes in 30-60 days instead of the usual 3-5 months, but having complete documentation from the start can cut that time down even further. Also, be aware that the first SSDI payment won't arrive until 6 months after the established disability onset date due to the mandatory waiting period. The onset date is typically set as the date of diagnosis, so that waiting period has already started.