Can I Seek Disability for an Autoimmune Disorder?
If you suffer from an autoimmune disorder, you may be eligible for disability benefits. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is the most common disability benefit, providing monthly benefits to people unable to work due to a medical condition. With this benefit, you can cover essential costs such as food, housing, and medical care.
However, these benefits are not guaranteed, so it is critical to work with an experienced Baltimore SS Disability lawyer. Terri D. Mason has over twenty years of experience advocating for people with disabilities, including those applying for autoimmune disease disability benefits.
Benefits Available to Maryland Residents
Maryland residents with autoimmune diseases have several options for receiving benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
SSDI is a benefit offered by the Social Security Administration to those who have worked long enough and paid enough Social Security taxes to be eligible. In addition, this program helps those who are disabled, elderly, blind, or have limited resources.
You must demonstrate that you are disabled due to a medically determined, severe mental or physical impairment. Then, the SSA will assess your condition to see if it prevents you from doing the type of work you did before.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
SSI is a federal program that offers monthly benefits to people with limited resources who are blind, seniors, or have a disability. Children with disabilities whose parents have little income and resources may also qualify for this assistance.
When applying for SSI benefits, you must provide detailed information about your disability and any other relevant circumstances that could affect eligibility. Specifically, you must describe your current financial situation and any possible alternatives to government benefits.
Autoimmune Disability Evaluation
According to the “National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,” scientists know about over eighty autoimmune diseases. Yet, fewer are listed on SSA as official autoimmune diseases that qualify for disability which include:
- HIV Infection
- Inflammatory Arthritis
- Immune Deficiency Disorders (excluding HIV Infection)
- Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Systemic Vasculitis
- Systemic Sclerosis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Undifferentiated and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Even if your condition is listed above, it still must be severe enough to keep you from working for at least a year. However, if you suffer from an autoimmune disease not listed above, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, or Type 1 Diabetes, talk to an SS Disability lawyer to learn more.
One challenge you will have is determining which autoimmune diseases qualify for disability when not listed on SSA. This is one of the main reasons you must work with a Baltimore SS Disability lawyer.
Qualifying for Autoimmune Disease Disability Benefits in Maryland
To be approved for Social Security Disability benefits, you must prove that your autoimmune disorder has made it impossible for you to work. In addition, the Social Security Administration requires proof of missed time from work, such as the employer’s monthly timekeeping records or copies of bank statements.
Depending on the specific nature of your illness, you may require additional medical evidence to prove you cannot work. Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you have accumulated adequate income from past work to receive sufficient work credits (earned through working and paying Social Security taxes). When the Social Security Administration reviews your claim, they will consider whether your disease has restricted physical or mental functioning.
Access Your Autoimmune Disorder Disability Benefits With the Help of Terri Mason
Before SSA approves disability benefits for these autoimmune diseases, they consider several criteria. One of them is proving that your condition is severe enough to restrict your work capacity and causes intense pain and discomfort throughout your body.
Terri Mason, a Social Security Disability attorney, can assist you in determining if you suffer from one of the autoimmune diseases that qualify for disability benefits. She also assists with preparing the application and gathering medical evidence to back up your claim.
If your autoimmune disease has rendered you unable to work, you must speak with our Social Security Disability attorney as soon as possible. Call the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason at 443-948-7772 to schedule a consultation with our lawyer with a proven client advocacy track record.