Hi Buffy,

Thank you for writing to us. I’m so sorry that you were having such a stressful and challenging situation at work, especially during this time. You should never feel like you have to choose between your job and your health and safety. I sent you a follow-up email last week with some useful information and resources. 

We’re here if you have any additional questions or concerns. Please reach out to us at 646-929-8032.

Stay safe and well,

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Senir Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers

I am currently receiving treatment and also working full time. I tested negative for COVID19 after a scare at work. The nature of the job will keep me exposed to the public regularly. Would I qualify for disability insurance since I am in a group advised to quarantine?

Hi Regina,

Thanks for reaching out to us. It’s good that you’re being proactive about finding a solution to feeling unsafe at work. Although our expertise is not in disability insurance, we do know some other organizations and resources can provide information and  may be able to help. The Legal & Financial section of our website also offers tips on navigating health insurance, financial assistance, insurance legislation, and legal rights.

Here are some other resources that might be useful:

Social Security Administration: Disability Benefits: Provides detailed information on applying for disability benefits. 

Triage Cancer: Triage Cancer is a national, nonprofit organization that provides education and resources on the entire continuum of cancer survivorship issues to survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.  Our goal is to steer people towards the most appropriate resources – whether those are financial, practical, legal, or other psychosocial care resources.  If you are looking for a resource, a good place to start is the Resources page:

• California State Resource Guide


• Quick Guide to Disability Insurance


• Webinar: Demystifying Disability Insurance


• Webinar: Taking Time Off and Paying for It

Patient Advocate Foundation: A non-profit organization providing information on the safeguarding of patients' rights in order to assure access to health care, maintenance of employment and financial stability.

Insure: An online insurance guide for consumers, this web site also includes topics of interest to cancer survivors including long-term care, disability, Medicare settlements and both life and health insurance. Searchable database of engines makes it relatively easy to find news and research on industry approaches to coping with cancer-related issues such as clinical trials, experimental drugs, etc. 

I hope this is helpful. You can also reach us at cancerandcareers@cew.org or 646-929-8032 if you have any additional questions.

Kind regards,

Nicole Franklin, MPH 

Senior Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers

Hi Regina. I’m the original
Poster. I live in Texas. I did research and because I feared for my health and safety and could prove that I was being put at risk (ex-email from boss saying we had to reuse PPE, etc), I was able to quit my job and qualify for unemployment. I also wrote in my letter of resignation that I was quitting because they were not protecting their employees and would be responsible if any of us became infected, hospitalized or worse.

It took 4 weeks to receive my benefits, but I did finally receive them. I am so much more at ease now. I have never filed for unemployment, etc. I am so thankful I was able to receive benefits. I wish you luck! Stay healthy! And thank you Nicole for ALL your help with advice on this matter.