When living with a chronic illness, there may come a point where you and your physician discuss applying for Social Security disability. There is a lot to know about the disability process, what it entails, and who can qualify for disability. For Lupus Awareness Month, I partnered with Healthgrades.com to do an amazing series on Employment and Lupus. One topic we dove into is disability and Lupus. Here is a brief snippet of the article and a link to the full piece. I hope it helps clear up any questions you may have about this important topic!
Lupus and Applying for Disability: What You Need to Know
Many individuals with a chronic autoimmune condition, such as lupus, may find that continuing to be part of the workforce in a gainful capacity is simply not physically possible anymore. This realization of one’s limitations can be difficult to deal with emotionally, causing feelings of inadequacy, loss of independence, concern over being able to continue to function in society as normally as possible, as well as stress over future financial stability.
Many Americans working with lupus or other debilitating conditions also depend on the healthcare coverage they receive through their employer. Those who have to stop working due to chronic illness may wonder how they will afford the proper medical care they need to manage their lupus disability.
In these situations, it is important to understand that people who suffer from lupus disability are eligible to collect benefits from the Social Security disability insurance program. This program exists to assist those who can no longer work as a result of their medical condition.
Hi suffer from multiple disabling symptoms of systemic lupus, I would like to talk to an attorney who has specialized in Social Security disability and who has experience and expertise in the field of SLE
Hi Lalitha – Can I ask what city you live in? There are social security lawyers throughout the US and they charge no fee upfront. By law, they can only take a percentage of your back pay if you are approved for Disability. I would suggest Googling your city name with the words disability lawyer. Then you can call a few and ask over the phone if they have specifically worked with lupus patients.
I tried to file for disability and got denied twice and I have SLE I guess because I don’t have enough work credits but how can I get enough if I can’t work…
HI Tara, a Disability lawyer may help better explain what your options are. Years ago I had a friend with lupus who didn’t have enough work credits to get disability SSDi, but she was approved for SSI. I do not know the specifics however. Maybe a disability lawyer in your area can help?
I didn’t think autoimmune diseases could qualify you for disability. I guess it could stop your ability to work. I heard most applications get denied the first time, so it’s important to get a lawyer if you do.
Yes, many do get denied the first two times, however, I know several dozen people with autoimmune disease who have been approved once they got a disability lawyer on their side. I feel those denials are to make people feel like giving up, but if we can fight lupus we can fight for disability and medical care! 😉 XOXO Marisa
Exactly what I went thru. Had to get a lawyer.
Thankyou Marisa, for this very informative post. Many of us are aware not aware that we too can apply for Social Security disability. My Sister is suffering from last 6 months, it’s now going to and fro from doc to docs when we have burnt up our saving we came to know of the insurance program.
I have being reading lot resources online for lupus treatments and insurance coverage like thelifeinsuranceblog, WebMD, EverydayHealth .
We have just connected with local lawyer friend who has just started practicing for my sisters social security , do you suggest we should go to someone who is specifically a disability lawyer.
HI Heather – THere are many lawyers who specialize in disability law. I have known many people with lupus and other autoimmune diseases who have been denied over and over, but are accepted once they have a disability lawyer working on their case. Also, disability lawyers are not allowed to take any money upfront, however, if you are approved, they will take a percentage of your backearnings. I hope that is helpful XOXO Marisa
My 9 year old daughter was just diagnosed with SLE, would I/she be eligible? If so, when should I consider applying for SSI? Would
Hi Feliia – I don’t believe she would be eligible for regular disability because the amount is determined by how many work quarters you worked and paid into the Social Security program. That being said, I have seen people in their teens get SSDI in smaller amounts, even though they had not yet worked in any capacity. I would definitely speak with a lawyer, or you can go to your local Social Security office. XO Marisa