Does Breast Cancer Qualify for Disability?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, though it can affect anyone. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates breast cancer disability claims under Blue Book Listing 13.10, which covers breast cancer (excluding sarcomas, which are evaluated separately under Listing 13.04). SSA reviews the medical severity of your diagnosis, treatment history, and how the condition affects your ability to work. The specific evaluation criteria are guided by SSA's general cancer evaluation rules outlined in Section 13.00K4.
What SSA Considers
SSA evaluates breast cancer under Listing 13.10, which applies to all breast cancers except sarcomas — those are assessed under the separate Listing 13.04. SSA's review of breast cancer cases is guided by the general cancer evaluation framework described in Section 13.00K4 of the Blue Book. Applicants should be aware that the listing explicitly excludes breast sarcomas from this pathway. If your breast cancer is a sarcoma, your claim will be evaluated under Listing 13.04 instead.
What You Could Receive
National payment amounts across all disability programs — not specific to any condition. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,821/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement.
What If Your Condition Doesn't Match Exactly?
Many people qualify through a medical-vocational allowance, even when their condition doesn't exactly match a Blue Book listing. SSA considers your age, work history, symptoms, and functional limits together. Strong medical documentation is the key. Learn more about qualifying without an exact match →
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If you have Breast Cancer, the right medical documentation can make the difference. Get a free personalized Approval Guide with a documentation checklist and next-step guidance for your claim.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You'll Need to File
- Pathology or biopsy report confirming breast cancer diagnosis and type (to establish it is not a sarcoma covered under 13.04)
- Operative and surgical reports from any breast cancer-related procedures (e.g., lumpectomy, mastectomy)
- Oncologist's treatment notes documenting the stage, grade, and progression of your cancer
- Records of chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy, including dates, dosages, and response to treatment
- Imaging results such as mammograms, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans showing tumor size, location, or spread
- Records of any cancer recurrence or metastasis to other organs or lymph nodes
- A statement from your treating oncologist or physician describing how your condition and treatment side effects limit your ability to work
Frequently Asked Questions (5)
Does all breast cancer qualify under Listing 13.10?
Listing 13.10 covers most breast cancers, but it explicitly excludes breast sarcomas. If your breast cancer is a sarcoma, SSA will evaluate your claim under the separate Listing 13.04.
What is Section 13.00K4 and why does it matter for my claim?
Section 13.00K4 provides the general framework SSA uses to evaluate cancer severity. Listing 13.10 directs reviewers to apply these standards when assessing breast cancer claims.
Do I need to know what stage my cancer is to apply?
While you don't need to know your stage before applying, your medical records should document details like tumor size, grade, and whether cancer has spread, as SSA will review this information during evaluation.
Can I still apply if I am currently undergoing treatment?
Yes, you can apply while receiving treatment. SSA will consider your diagnosis, treatment history, and the effects of your condition and treatment on your ability to function.
What if my breast cancer is not listed exactly as described — can SSA still consider my claim?
If your condition does not meet a specific listing, SSA may still evaluate your claim using a medical-vocational assessment, which considers your age, education, work history, and remaining functional abilities.
Blue Book Listing Reference
Primary: 13.10 Breast (except sarcoma—13.04)
Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
Source version: 2025-09-11
View source on eCFRRelated Conditions
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