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Nevada • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Nevada, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, plus Medicaid and other support. Nevada does not have a state disability program, but federal rules apply. Learn how to apply and what benefits are available.
If you have cancer and cannot work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal disability benefits in Nevada. The two main programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You need enough work credits, which depend on your age. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if you are disabled, including whether you can do substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are blind [8].
If your cancer is severe, you may qualify for expedited review under the Compassionate Allowances program. This can speed up the process if your condition is on the list of qualifying cancers [8].
Nevada does not have a state-run disability program for adults. All disability benefits for cancer patients are federal, through SSDI or SSI. However, Nevada residents can access Medicaid if they qualify for SSI, and some may get help with healthcare costs through other state programs. Nevada also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with cancer get support at home. These waivers are limited and have waiting lists. To learn more about Medicaid waivers, see our guide on Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) [3].
If you are a veteran with cancer, you may also qualify for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA benefits can be received at the same time as SSDI or SSI. Nevada does not offer additional state disability payments for cancer, but federal rules apply to all residents [3].
Nevada does not have a state disability program for adults. All disability benefits for cancer patients are federal. However, Nevada offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS). These waivers can help people with cancer get support at home, such as personal care or home health aides. Waivers are limited and have waiting lists. To learn more, see our guide on Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) [3].
Nevada also has programs for veterans with cancer, but these are run by the federal VA. Nevada does not offer additional state disability payments for cancer. If you need help with bills or other needs, you may qualify for other state programs, such as food assistance or housing help. Contact Nevada Legal Services for more information [4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. In Nevada, you can open an ABLE account to save for expenses like medical care, housing, or education. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid. To learn more, see our guide on ABLE Accounts [3].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. These limits may be lower if you have other income or resources. SSDI does not have strict income limits, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025) and still get benefits [8].
If you get more benefits than you should, you may have to pay back the overpayment. Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to the Social Security Administration. If you return to work, use work incentives to keep some benefits. To learn more, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes [3].
Nevada Legal Services offers free help with Social Security disability applications and appeals. Contact them for support with your cancer benefits application.
Yes, if your cancer prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Nevada does not have a state disability program, so federal rules apply. Some cancers may be approved faster under the Compassionate Allowances program [8].
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs can help cancer patients who cannot work for at least 12 months [5].
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history. You can apply for both SSDI and SSI at the same time if you think you qualify for both [5].
If you get SSI, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicaid in Nevada. If you get SSDI, you will get Medicare after 24 months of benefits. Medicaid covers healthcare, including cancer treatment [3].
You can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025). If you earn more, you may lose benefits. There are work incentives to help you keep some benefits if you return to work [8].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Nevada does not have a state disability program for adults. All disability benefits for cancer patients are federal, through SSDI or SSI. Nevada does offer Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with support at home [3].
The process can take several months, but some cancers may be approved faster under the Compassionate Allowances program. If your application is denied, you can appeal. Nevada Legal Services can help with appeals [4].
Yes, if you qualify for both programs. This is called concurrent benefits. The Social Security Administration will tell you if you qualify for one or both after you apply [5].
If your application is denied, you can appeal. The process has several steps, including reconsideration and a hearing. Nevada Legal Services can help with appeals and provide free legal help [4].
Veterans with cancer may qualify for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA benefits can be received at the same time as SSDI or SSI. Nevada does not offer additional state disability payments for veterans with cancer [3].
