Had to leave because of tumors on feet. Am I entitled to any benefits?

Q) I worked for a company in banquets for over 11 years and had to leave because of tumors on feet. This made it impossible for me to perform my job. Am I entitled to any benefits?

A) Whether you are entitled to any benefits for leaving your job because of tumors on your feet depends on a number of factors, including your employment status, the type of benefits you are seeking, and the laws of your state.

If you are an employee, you may be eligible for short-term or long-term disability benefits if your condition prevents you from working. You may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if your condition was caused by your job.

If you are self-employed, you may be eligible for disability insurance benefits or government assistance programs.

To determine what benefits you may be eligible for, you should speak with a disability insurance specialist or an attorney.

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

• The Social Security Administration (SSA) website has information about disability benefits.
• The Department of Labor (DOL) website has information about workers’ compensation benefits.
• The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) website has information about disability rights and resources.
• The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) website has information about finding a disability lawyer

General requirement for unemployment insurance benefits is:

Have received enough wages during the base period to establish a claim.
Be totally or partially unemployed.
Be unemployed through no fault of his/her own.
Be physically able to work.
Be available for work which means to be ready and willing to immediately accept work.
Be actively looking for work.
Meet eligibility requirements each week benefits are claimed.
Be approved for training before training benefits can be paid.

Note: You may want to look at applying for temporary disability