by Men and women, when diagnosed with skin cancer, often wonder how they will pay their bills as they go through treatment. Non-melanoma skin cancer now ranks number one in terms of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, and that may be due in part to the increase in cases following the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001 in New York City. Individuals in proximity to the Twin Towers were exposed to toxins, dust, and debris as the buildings came down, and they are more at risk of cancer. Those victims may need an attorney to assist them with their expenses and benefits as a result of this exposure.
The 9/11 Fund
The 9/11 fund, also known as the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, provides money for individuals who suffered harm or were killed because of the terrorist attacks. Personal representatives of a deceased person who lost their life due to this attack may also receive compensation from the fund. However, Congress opted to provide funds for those who were harmed or died as a result of their work to remove the debris of these attacks as well. While the original fund ceased operations in 2004, the Zadroga Act started providing this compensation again in 2011. Anyone who believes they are eligible for money from this fund after they developed skin cancer may wish to speak with an attorney for help in filing a claim.
Additional Resources
Any individual diagnosed with cancer may receive Social Security disability if they can’t work for one year or longer. However, the Social Security Administration routinely denies claims when people submit applications. When applying for this help, men and women must provide documentation that confirms their diagnosis, biopsy reports, and notes from their physician. This shows the severity of the disease and the individual’s inability to work or show how treatment for the disease prevents them from continuing to work. The attorney works with the client to provide the proof needed to get the disability benefits.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
At times, a person might find they can return to work in less than one year, but they need some help to fill the gap. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families spans the gap between the cancer diagnosis and a person’s completion of treatment and return to work. Cancer patients with children in the home may qualify for this help, as the government doesn’t want children to be removed from their homes. Parents struggling because of a skin cancer diagnosis should apply at their local TANF office.
Local Resources
An attorney may direct clients to local resources that benefit cancer patients. As attorneys work in a community, they learn about what is available through clients who have benefited from these services, and they may network with people within these charitable organizations. Countless people overlook these resources and never think to ask where they may receive assistance. An attorney will provide this information to clients, in many cases, without being asked.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer and find you are struggling, take advantage of all available resources. A person suffering from cancer has enough to deal with. Cancer victims shouldn’t need to worry about paying their bills at this time. A reputable attorney works to ensure they don’t have to go through the stress of dealing with mounting bills as they battle this common disease.
