• Cancer medication alone can cost thousands of dollars per year.medicine image by Pali A from Fotolia.com
  
  According to a 2010 study published in Health Affairs magazine, low-income individuals who are diagnosed with cancer spend roughly 27 percent of their total earnings on cancer treatment. Because cancer treatment is so important but the costs are so high, many individuals turn to the government for help.
  
  

Social Security Disability Insurance

• Qualifying cancer patients can receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI). The amount of benefits that an individual may receive depends on the individual's work history. Consequently, if you have not worked, you cannot receive SSDI. Additionally, simply being diagnosed with cancer is not enough to guarantee that you will receive benefits. The requirements to receive benefits differ depending on the type of cancer you have. To find out more about SSDI, and to apply for SSDI, consult the Social Security Online: Disability Planner homepage.
  
  

Supplementary Security Income

• If you do not qualify for SSDI, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is available to low-income individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. Unlike SSDI, SSI is not based on work history. Consequently, many children who have been diagnosed with cancer receive SSI. To find out more about SSI, and to apply for SSI, consult the Social Security Online: Supplemental Security Income homepage.
  
  

Children's Health Insurance Program

• The Children's Health Insurance Program, created in 1997, is a state and federal program that allows qualifying children to receive health insurance for free or at a reduced cost. Each state determines the eligibility requirements and cost of the insurance. To find the information specific to your state, click the image of your state on the Insure Kids Now Map.