Do My Migraines Qualify Me for Disability Benefits?
If you suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating they can be. While people unfamiliar with migraines may think of them as “just a headache,” migraine sufferers may experience symptoms such as:
Severe, throbbing pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
Auras
Visual disturbances
Tingling sensations
Difficulty speaking
Dizziness / vertigo
Some episodes of migraine may only last a few hours, while others may last for days. Some people have success with migraine medications while others do not. In other words, some people may experience migraines as a sporadic interruption or treatable condition, while others may experience serious disruptions in day-to-day life.
If migraines prevent you from earning a living, you may be entitled to Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits.
Demonstrating Disability to Qualify for SSDI
To receive SSDI benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled.” That means that your medical condition or conditions leaves you unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) and that disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or to be fatal.
There are two different ways to demonstrate that you are unable to engage in SGA. The first, and simplest, is to meet the criteria for a listing in the Social Security Blue Book. Unfortunately, migraines are not listed in the Blue Book. That means someone pursuing SSDI for migraines must either meet the criteria for a different listing–perhaps an underlying condition that causes the migraines–or through a broad analysis.
When an SSDI applicant doesn’t qualify under a Blue Book listing, the SSA looks at the applicant’s residual functional capacity. That’s the maximum level of work the applicant can still perform despite their medical limitations. Then, the SSA looks to the appropriate grid to consider other factors such as the applicant’s age, the type of work they have done in the past, whether they have transferable skills and their highest level of education.
Get Help with Your SSDI Application for Migraines
Most SSDI applications are initially denied. You can improve your chances of approval on initial application or prevailing on appeal by ensuring that you provide exactly the type of documentation the SSA is looking for. At Disability Help Group, our advocates have developed deep knowledge of the application and appeals processes and the evidence required to establish various types of claims. To learn about how we can help you submit the strongest application or appeal possible, call 800-800-3332 right now or fill out our contact form here.
Does Hashimoto’s Disease Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Any medical condition that prevents a person from engaging in substantial gainful activity for at least a year can potentially qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. Hashimoto’s disease is no exception. However, understanding how best to approach an SSDI application for Hashitoto’s disease and what type of evidence is required can be challenging. In part, that’s because the condition doesn’t have its own listing in the Social Security Blue Book.
Pursuing SSDI for Hashimoto’s Disease
There are two ways to qualify for SSDI benefits. One is to meet or equal a listing in the Blue Book. The other is based on a more holistic assessment of your ability to perform work.
Hashimoto’s Disease and the Social Security Blue Book
As mentioned above, there is no specific Blue Book listing for Hashimoto’s disease. To make matters more complicated, the condition is classified as an endocrine disorder. While endocrine disorders have their own section in the Blue Book, they don’t have listed criteria like most other types of conditions.
Instead, these types of disorders are assessed based on listings for the body systems they impact. In other words, they are assessed based on listings for the body systems that are affected. So, which (if any) Blue Book listing applies and whether you meet the criteria will depend on the effects of the disorder.
An experienced SSDI advocate can help you determine whether one or more Blue Book listings may apply in your situation and what type of evidence will be required to establish your disability.
Hashimoto’s Disease and Social Security Grid Rules
When your condition doesn’t meet a Blue Book listing or your disability is caused by a combination of medical conditions, the assessment is more complex. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines your residual functional capacity given on your physical and mental health limitations.
Then, they look to the appropriate grid for results based on factors such as your level of education, how old you are, and whether you have skills from past work experience that would translate to jobs you can still do. The older you are and the less education and skilled work experience you have, the more likely you are to be approved.
Get Help with Your Hashimoto’s Disease Claim Today
Whether you’re just starting your application for SSDI, got started and became overwhelmed by the amount of information and documentation required, or are appealing a denial, we can help. Call Disability Help Group today at 800-800-3332 to learn more about our services or contact us here now.
Will Having Hepatitis C Qualify Me for Disability?
Simply having a hepatitis C diagnosis won’t qualify you for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. However, some people do qualify for SSDI due to hepatitis C.
Whether or not you are eligible for SSDI for hep C will depend on two factors:
Whether you have accrued sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits and meet all other general qualifications, and
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation that can damage the liver. The virus starts with an acute phase. During that phase, a person may or may not experience symptoms. When they do, those symptoms often include:
Fatigue
Jaundice
Nausea
Muscle pain
Fever
Even when the disease enters the chronic phase, many people experience no symptoms until the virus causes liver damage. Then, symptoms may be similar to those listed above, but may include others, such as:
Loss of appetite
Dark urine
Bruising or bleeding easily
Swelling in the legs
Fluid build-up in the abdomen
Weight loss
Confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech
Itchy skin
When Does Someone With Hepatitis C Qualify for SSDI?
Hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral medications. These medications can cure hepatitis C. However, if the liver has already been damaged, there may be continuing symptoms and limitations. If you are among the small percentage of hepatitis C patients who can’t be cured with antivirals or you have already sustained significant liver damage, you may be eligible for SSDI.
There are two ways to establish that you are disabled by the damage caused by hepatitis C:
Meet the Social Security Blue Book criteria for chronic liver disease, which may be met in several different ways, or
Qualify based on a more encompassing assessment that considers your age, past work experience, education and other factors to determine whether or not you are able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
Next Steps for SSDI Applicants
The SSDI application process can be confusing, and most applicants are denied at first. Whether you’re just considering applying for SSDI benefits for hepatitis C or have been denied benefits and want to appeal, Disability Help Group is here for you. Our experienced disability benefits advocates have learned the ins and outs of the SSDI application and appeals processes so you don’t have to. Call us today at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here to learn more.
If you’re a retired teacher, firefighter, police officer, or someone with a public pension, you may have heard about the new Social Security Fairness Act. While the law promises to increase benefits for millions, it comes with a catch: you might have to wait up to a year or more to see those changes. Here’s what you need to know about the law, the delays, and what you can do to stay on top of things.
What Is the Social Security Fairness Act?
The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden and is a big win for many retirees. The law does away with two federal policies that previously prevented employees with public pensions from receiving their full Social Security benefits. It also increases the benefits for surviving spouses and family members of these workers.
The best part? The benefits hike is retroactive to December 2023. That means if you were getting partial benefits before, you’ll now be getting full payments, going back a year.
Long Wait Times Ahead
The Social Security Administration has made it clear that due to a lack of extra funding or staff, it could take more than a year to adjust benefits and make all retroactive payments. The SSA’s current budget doesn’t have room to handle the increased workload, and ongoing staffing shortages (plus a hiring freeze since November 2024) are only making things harder.
As a result, you can expect delays and longer wait times if you’re trying to get in touch with the SSA. The agency has warned that this will affect everyone, even those not impacted by the new law, as they try to manage the added workload.
Does The Social Security Fairness Act Affect My Payments?
While the SSA works through the backlog, they have emphasized that the processing of these changes is complicated. Since much of the work has to be done manually, it’s going to take time. The Biden White House estimates that the average increase per recipient will be around $360 a month.
What Can You Do Now?
While it’s frustrating to wait, staying patient is key. The SSA has asked for understanding as they work through this massive update. Keep an eye on any communications from the SSA, and make sure your contact info is current so you don’t miss out on any updates.
If you’re applying for SSD, need help with an appeal after a denial, or think your benefits were wrongfully terminated, Disability Help Group is here to support you. Reach out to us at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here to learn more. We’ve got your back!
Like most medical conditions, blindness or loss of vision may or may not qualify a person for Social Security disability (SSD). The Social Security Blue Book contains multiple listings relating to visual impairment, and people who are otherwise eligible and meet one of those listings will generally qualify for SSD benefits. Those who don’t meet the listings may still qualify, depending on a broader analysis.
Blue Book Listings for Blindness and Visual Impairment
You are statutorily blind, meaning that the vision in your better eye is 20/200 or worse after correction, or
The field of vision in your better eye is contracted to 20 degrees or less
An SSD applicant who is statutorily blind has a higher earning threshold than other applicants. While most people will be disqualified from receiving SSD if they are able to earn at least $1,620/month, the cap for a statutorily blind applicant is $2,700/month.
The type of testing required to establish visual impairment depends on the type of impairment. For example, visual acuity is measured using the Snellen methodology or similar testing. Testing is conducted with corrective lenses. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will make adaptations to adjust to testing considered sufficiently comparable. For instance, if your vision has been measured at a distance of 10 feet, the SSA will convert that measurement to the 20 foot standard.
SSD for Visual Impairment Outside the Blue Book Listings
Meeting or equalling a Blue Book listing can be the simplest way to qualify for SSD benefits, but it isn’t the only one. If you are visually impaired and your visual impairment compromises your ability to earn a living, you may still be eligible for SSD. If you don’t meet a listing, the SSA will consider your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) based on your residual functional capacity and a grid system that takes into account your age, educational level, past work experience and transferable skills.
Get Help with Your SSD Application for Blindness
Most SSD applications are initially denied, but you can improve your chances of approval by ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and accompanied by the evidence the SSA will be looking for. At Disability Help Group, we have extensive experience with SSD applications and appeals and can help ensure that you submit the strongest claim possible. To learn more, call 800-800-3332 right now, or fill out our contact form here.
