Can you get SSDI with stage 4 cancer while still working? Sister doesn't want to quit job without approval

First, I'm so sorry about your sister's diagnosis. Regarding SSDI while working - it's complicated but possible in her situation. SSA considers earnings above $1,550/month (2025 figure) as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which typically disqualifies someone. Since she's earning $1,850/month, that's technically above SGA levels. HOWEVER - with stage 4 renal cancer, she would qualify under the Compassionate Allowance program, which fast-tracks severe conditions. The key is documenting that: 1. Her reduced hours are directly due to her medical condition 2. She's essentially working with accommodations 3. Her actual productivity may be worth less than she's being paid (called "subsidized employment") Have her apply immediately and be very clear about her reduced capacity. Getting her doctor's detailed statement is critical. The Compassionate Allowance should process within weeks rather than months.

My brother went thru the EXACT same thing with pancreatic cancer!!! The SSA denied him initially even with stage 4 diagnosis because he was still working part time!!! It was INFURIATING!!! They don't understand that some people HAVE TO work until they get approved!!! He had to appeal and it took 4 months to get approved even with cancer!!!! Tell your sister NOT TO QUIT her job until she gets approved!!!! The system is BROKEN!!!!!

Your sister should apply immediately for SSDI under the Compassionate Allowance program. Stage 4 kidney cancer is on the list of qualifying conditions. Here's how to navigate this situation properly: 1. Apply right away, noting her condition and reduced hours 2. Have her oncologist complete an RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) form detailing her limitations 3. Document that her current work is with significant accommodations 4. Request expedited processing due to terminal diagnosis Technically, she is above the SGA threshold of $1,550/month, but SSA can consider what's called an "unsuccessful work attempt" or "subsidy" situation where the employer is essentially providing accommodations. Make sure this is clearly documented. Compassionate Allowance cases should be processed within 30 days instead of months. The diagnosis itself should qualify her regardless of current work status, especially with proper medical documentation.

Has your sister checked if she has short-term or long-term disability insurance through her employer? That might be a better option while waiting for SSDI approval. I went that route when I got sick and it was much faster than dealing with Social Security.

I'm so sorry about your sister. My wife had stage 4 breast cancer and we went through the same thing with Social Security. It's totally messed up that they expect people to just quit their jobs with no guarantee of approval. The Compassionate Allowance program helped us though! Her case was approved in about 3 weeks. Make sure your sister mentions "Compassionate Allowance" specifically in her application and have her oncologist state clearly that it's stage 4/terminal in their documentation. Wishing you both the best.

When I tried calling the SSA about my disability application, I spent HOURS on hold and got disconnected THREE times. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Saved me so much frustration. For complicated cases like your sister's, actually talking to someone at SSA who can explain the specific details makes a huge difference. They were able to tell me exactly what documentation I needed to submit for my condition.

One important thing I forgot to mention: when your sister applies, she should request an "in-person interview" rather than just submitting online. With compassionate allowance cases involving terminal illness, an in-person or phone interview with a claims representative can significantly speed up processing. Also, there's a specific code called TERI (Terminal Illness Program) that can be added to her case. The claims rep won't automatically know to add this - she needs to specifically state she has a terminal condition with less than 12 months life expectancy (if that's what her doctor has indicated). This puts her case in an even faster processing category than regular Compassionate Allowance cases.

My mom got ssdi while still working part time with cancer. The key was her doctor writing that she couldnt do her normal job anymore and was only doing limited duties. They approved her in like 6 weeks I think but she did have to send in extra paperwork about exactly what work she was still doing and why she couldnt stop completely yet. Hope your sister gets approved fast!

Has your sister talked to a social worker at her cancer treatment center? Most oncology departments have social workers who specifically help with things like disability applications. They know exactly what needs to be documented and how to phrase things to get through the system faster. My husband's social worker was incredibly helpful with all the paperwork when he got sick.

I went through this exact situation with my dad when he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He was terrified to stop working but physically couldn't keep up with his normal duties anymore. Here's what we learned that might help your sister: The $1,850/month she's earning is technically above the SGA limit, BUT there are exceptions for cancer patients, especially stage 4. Document everything about how her work capacity has changed - reduced hours, needing help from coworkers, frequent absences for treatment, etc. This shows "diminished earning capacity" which SSA can consider. Also, make sure her oncologist includes specific functional limitations in their report - like "can only stand for 15 minutes at a time" or "requires rest breaks every 2 hours due to fatigue." The more specific, the better. One thing that really helped us was keeping a daily log of her symptoms and how they affect her ability to work. Even just a week or two of documentation can be powerful evidence. My dad's case was approved in about 5 weeks under Compassionate Allowance, and he was still working reduced hours when he applied. Stay strong - you're being such a good advocate for her during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry your sister is going through this. As someone who works in disability advocacy, I want to emphasize a few critical points that haven't been fully covered: 1. **Apply immediately** - Don't wait. Stage 4 renal cancer is on the Compassionate Allowances list, which means faster processing (typically 2-4 weeks vs 3-6 months). 2. **The SGA issue is manageable** - While her $1,850/month is above the $1,550 SGA threshold, there are several ways around this for cancer patients: - Document that her employer is providing "subsidized employment" (paying her the same rate despite reduced productivity) - Show this is an "unsuccessful work attempt" due to medical limitations - Emphasize that her continued work is temporary while awaiting approval 3. **Key documentation needed**: - Oncologist's detailed RFC form stating specific limitations - Letter from employer explaining accommodations being made - Treatment records showing stage 4 diagnosis and prognosis - Documentation of missed work days/reduced productivity 4. **Use the magic words**: Make sure her application specifically mentions "Compassionate Allowances" and if her prognosis is less than 12 months, request "TERI" (Terminal Illness) designation. The system isn't perfect, but with proper documentation and the right approach, stage 4 cancer cases do get approved even when the person is still working reduced hours. Stay strong!