Does Melanoma Qualify for Disability?
Melanoma is a serious form of cancer that can develop in the skin, eyes (ocular), or mucous membranes (mucosal). SSA evaluates melanoma disability claims under Blue Book Listing 13.29, which covers malignant melanoma across all three of these sites. To qualify for disability benefits, your medical records must show that your melanoma meets one of three specific sets of criteria outlined in the listing. The severity and extent of your diagnosis, as documented by your treating physicians, are central to SSA's evaluation.
What SSA Considers
SSA evaluates melanoma under Blue Book Listing 13.29, which covers malignant melanoma originating in the skin, eyes (ocular), or mucous membranes (mucosal). To meet the listing, your condition must satisfy one of three criteria sets — referred to as A, B, or C in the listing — though the specific requirements of each are defined within the full listing text. All three melanoma site types (skin, ocular, and mucosal) are evaluated under this single listing. SSA will review your medical documentation to determine whether your diagnosis and clinical findings satisfy one of these three pathways.
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 →
Ready to Start Your Claim?
If you have Melanoma, 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 a diagnosis of malignant melanoma, including the site (skin, ocular, or mucosal)
- Operative reports or surgical notes from any excision, resection, or tumor removal procedures
- Oncology treatment records documenting chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or other cancer treatments received
- Imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or ultrasounds showing the extent or spread of the melanoma
- Ophthalmology or specialist records if the melanoma is ocular or mucosal in origin
- Pathology reports documenting staging, tumor thickness, ulceration status, or lymph node involvement
- Records from all treating physicians, including oncologists, dermatologists, and surgeons
- Documentation of any recurrence, metastasis, or progression of the disease
Frequently Asked Questions (5)
Does melanoma always qualify me for disability benefits?
No. SSA evaluates each claim individually based on your medical evidence. SSA reviews your specific medical records to determine whether your melanoma meets the criteria under Listing 13.29, which requires satisfying one of three defined criteria sets.
Does it matter where on my body the melanoma is located?
Yes, the location matters for documentation purposes. Listing 13.29 specifically covers melanoma originating in the skin, eyes (ocular), or mucous membranes (mucosal), and your records should clearly identify the primary site.
What if my melanoma doesn't meet Listing 13.29 exactly?
If your condition does not meet the listing criteria, SSA may still evaluate your claim by assessing how your symptoms and limitations affect your ability to work, using a process called a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment.
What medical records are most important for a melanoma disability claim?
Biopsy and pathology reports confirming the diagnosis, imaging studies showing the extent of the disease, and detailed records from your treating oncologist or specialist are among the most important documents to submit.
Can melanoma that has spread (metastasized) be evaluated under this listing?
SSA's evaluation under Listing 13.29 is based on the criteria described in the listing, and your medical records documenting any spread or progression of the melanoma are relevant evidence for SSA to review.
Blue Book Listing Reference
Primary: 13.29 Malignant melanoma
Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
Source version: 2025-09-11
View source on eCFRRelated Conditions
Learn More
Filing for Disability with Melanoma?
You’ve seen what SSA looks for and what documentation you’ll need. A free case evaluation takes less than two minutes — and having the right support can change the outcome of your claim.
Get Your Free Approval Guide