Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects millions of Americans. For some, managing this condition can severely limit daily activities and make it impossible to maintain full-time employment. Specific Social Security Disability for Diabetes, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), are designed to assist those whose disabilities prevent them from working.
This thorough guide will explain how diabetes affects Social Security disability claims and what you need to qualify.
Can You Get Disability for Diabetes?
Diabetes alone is typically not enough to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires you to demonstrate that your diabetes—especially any associated complications—prevents you from working full-time or engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). SSA evaluates the severity of your condition based on its limitations on your ability to perform both past and potential future work.
Diabetic Complications That May Qualify:
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Retinopathy (vision loss)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Amputations
There tends to be an increased likelihood of qualifying for SSI and SSDI depending on the severity of these complications.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability with Diabetes SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked long enough and recently enough, earning sufficient credits under the SSA’s guidelines. You must also prove that your diabetes-related condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. SSA will assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to determine what type of work, if any, you can perform despite your limitations.
- Work Credits: You earn work credits based on your income. Most individuals need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years.
- RFC Evaluation: SSA will review your medical records, doctor’s opinions, and other evidence to assess how much your diabetes limits your ability to perform basic work functions like lifting, standing, walking, or sitting.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history. It is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. To qualify for diabetes, you must meet the SSA’s strict medical criteria and have financial need.
- Financial Requirements: Your income must fall below a certain threshold (in 2024, the federal SSI payment for individuals is $914 per month).
- Daily Activities Limitation: SSA examines how diabetes and complications limit one’s ability to perform daily activities (ADLs) such as cooking, cleaning, or managing personal care.
Common Diabetic Complications and Their Impact on Disability Claims
Diabetes-related complications often serve as the key determinant for disability approval. The most common complications affecting eligibility include:
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage, especially in the hands and feet, may severely limit your ability to walk, stand, or use your hands effectively.
- Retinopathy: Vision loss caused by diabetes can make it difficult or impossible to perform tasks requiring good eyesight, including reading or driving.
- Amputations: In severe cases, diabetes can lead to the amputation of limbs, which drastically impacts mobility and ability to work.
- Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease may lead to frequent hospitalizations or treatments, preventing consistent work attendance.
The Application Process: Social Security Disability For Diabetes (SSDI and SSI)
The application process for SSDI or SSI involves gathering thorough medical evidence. This evidence should include detailed medical records, doctor’s statements, test results, and documentation of complications like neuropathy or kidney disease. You must also provide documentation of any treatments you’ve received and how these have affected your ability to work.
Key Steps in the Social Security Disability for Diabetes Application Process:
1. Complete the Application: Submit your application online or at a local SSA office.
2. Submit Medical Evidence: Provide comprehensive medical documentation, including lab results, doctors’ reports, and imaging results that confirm your condition.
3. Receive a Decision: After SSA reviews your claim, you may receive an initial decision in 6 to 9 months. Be prepared for potential delays.
Working with a Lawyer or Advocate
The disability claims process can be complex, especially for individuals managing a chronic condition like diabetes. Hiring a lawyer or advocate with experience in Social Security disability claims can significantly improve your chances of success. They can help ensure your application is complete and all necessary medical evidence is submitted. Most disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your claim.
Appealing a Denied Disability Claim
If your claim is denied, don’t be discouraged. The appeals process allows you to request a reconsideration or hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This process can take several months but allows you to present additional evidence and clarify how your diabetes and complications limit your ability to work.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Diabetes can be a debilitating condition, especially when complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, or amputations occur. While diabetes itself might not automatically qualify for SSDI or SSI, showing how it impairs your ability to work is key to a successful disability claim.
Trajector Disability can help guide you through the Disability Benefits process, manage paperwork, and work hard to win you the benefits you deserve. If you have questions about the SSD process, we have answers. Contact us today.
FAQ
Do people with diabetes qualify for Social Security disability?
Yes, people with diabetes can qualify for Social Security disability if their condition is severe and results in serious complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, or kidney disease. To qualify, diabetes must limit your ability to work and meet the Social Security Administration's criteria for disability.
What is the disability rating for diabetes?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not assign a specific "disability rating" for diabetes, unlike the VA disability system. Instead, the SSA evaluates how diabetes and its complications affect an individual's ability to work.
What benefits is a person with diabetes entitled to?
A person with diabetes may be entitled to various benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), if they are unable to work due to the condition. They may also qualify for Medicare or Medicaid for healthcare coverage and VA benefits if they are veterans with service-related diabetes. Additional state or local programs may offer assistance, depending on the severity of the condition.
