Is lupus a disability? Lupus can qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits if your condition meets the specific medical requirements outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if your condition is severe enough.
If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), then you will be required to prove that your medical condition will prevent you from working for the foreseeable future. You will also need to have enough credits in your work history to qualify for benefits.
Continue reading to find out more about how to apply for and receive disability benefits if you have been diagnosed with lupus.
Need immediate assistance? Contact us today for information on the disability application process. Work with an experienced advocate such as Disability Apply to improve your chances of being approved for benefits. No upfront fees for you!
How to Qualify For SSDI If You Have Lupus
Lupus is included by the SSA in their Listing of Impairments – commonly known as the Blue Book – in Section 14 called Immune System Disorders.
The only type of lupus included in the Blue Book is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). However, other types of lupus can be evaluated under the listing.
To be approved for SSDI for lupus, your condition must prevent you from working or earning more than $1,260 a month. Also, your condition must meet these other conditions:
- Has lasted or is expected to last more than 12 months or result in death.
- Must be severe and meet SSA requirements.
- You must have paid Social Security taxes for about 5 out of the past 10 years.
However, even if you meet all these requirements, your application may still be denied because of non-medical related issues.
About 40 percent of all Social Security disability claims are denied due to various errors throughout the application process. We suggest that all applicants consider working with an experienced Social Security Disability advocate, like Disability Apply, before filing a claim. This service costs $0 out of pocket.
To see if you qualify for disability benefits or to review your claim, fill out our free evaluation form, or contact us today to get started. We are always available to support you or a loved one with the disability application or wherever assistance is needed across the United States.
What Are The Severity Requirements To Qualify For Benefits?
Furthermore, a lupus diagnosis is not enough for you to qualify for SSDI benefits. To qualify for benefits, you must meet the severity criteria of Requirement A or Requirement B contained in the SSA Blue Book.
Requirement A for Lupus
Involvement of at least two organs or body systems with:
1. A moderate level of severity for at least one of the organs or body systems.
2. Two or more of the constitutional signs or symptoms (this includes fever, serious fatigue, malaise, and weight loss).
Requirement B for Lupus
Repeated manifestations of SLE, with at least two of the symptoms and one of the following:
1. Limitation of activities of daily living.
2. Limitation in maintaining social functioning.
3. Limitation in completing tasks promptly due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace.
If you have a type of lupus that does not meet the severity requirements listed, you can still become approved for disability benefits if you can prove your condition is severe enough to prevent you from performing any job given your education and skills.
To support your lupus disability claim, you must have strong medical evidence such as medical history, a physical examination report, and any lab reports.
Improve Your Chances of Approval Following Lupus Diagnosis
Learn more about how to qualify for SSDI benefits after your lupus diagnosis by contacting Disability Apply. We can help you accurately and thoroughly complete your application. We’ll also work with you to expedite the process, helping you obtain the maximum benefits you are owed.
Find out today whether you could benefit from professional assistance with your disability claim. Fill out this form to start your free benefits evaluation. We look forward to helping you on your journey to receiving disability benefits.