Hi Aline,

Thanks for writing to us. I have sent your question over to our legal experts who will get back to you soon. In the meantime, I would also recommend that you check out the National Cancer Legal Services Network (http://www.nclsn.org/) as they may also be able to provide some useful information regarding your question.

Best,

Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

 Hi Aline,

Thank you for writing in with your question, and I'm sorry to hear about the challenges that your patient is facing. 

Unemployment compensation provisions vary from state to state, so I can't say for certain whether your patient will be able to collect unemployment benefits. However, an applicant generally must be in the full-time job market in order to collect. By this I mean, ready and willing to accept work considered suitable for you because of your past training, education, or experience, as well as being physically able to work. Essentially, these benefits are intended to help tide beneficiaries over during their job search. Thus, if cancer treatment or side effects are preventing an applicant from seeking or accepting a new job, then they could be denied unemployment insurance benefits.

I suggest your patient call their local unemployment office and ask what they need in order to apply. They may also want to ask what would disqualify them.

Additionally, if they haven't already, your patient may want to look into Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), federal disability insurance programs that might be able to offer assistance. More information on these programs can be found on CAC's website here: www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Legal-and-Financial/filing-for-disability.  

I hope that helps answer your question, and please don't hesitate to reach back with any additional questions!

Best,
Eva LaManna, Esq. 

Please note that the above information is designed to provide general information on the topics presents. It is provided with the understanding that the expert is not engaged in rendering any legal or professional services in the information provided above. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for professional services.