Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Receive SSD for Lyme Disease?       It is possible to receive Social Security disability (SSD) for Lyme disease. However, it’s not a given that a person suffering from the disease will qualify for disability. Pursuing disability for Lyme disease can be...

Watch Out for Social Security Disability Scams: How to Protect Yourself By:  Jennifer HC Walker, Senior Disability Advocate If you're applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or have already submitted a claim, it’s important to be aware of scams that may target...

2025 Updates In Social Security: New Identity Proofing Requirements Social Security Changes Ahead Starting April 14, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is introducing changes to help protect your benefits from fraud. They will be increasing security with...

Can I Get SSDI for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) isn’t listed in the Social Security Blue Book. That means there’s no specific listing of symptoms or test results that qualifies a person with IBS for Social Security disability...

Can I Get Disability Benefits for Lupus?  “Lupus” is generally used as a shorthand for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There are other forms of this condition, including three types of lupus of the skin, a type of lupus that is triggered by certain prescription...

Does Kidney Disease Qualify Me for SSDI?  Kidney disease, like most other medical conditions, may or may not qualify a person for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. To qualify for SSDI benefits, an applicant must:  Have accrued sufficient work credits to...

Can I Get Disability for Cerebral Palsy?  The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary in type and severity. That means some people who suffer from cerebral palsy will qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits and some will not. This post provides general...

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,...

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...

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...

Updates On The Social Security Fairness Act 2025 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...

Can I Get Disability for Being Blind? 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...

Can I Lose My Disability Benefits?  When your Social Security disability (SSD) benefits were approved, you probably breathed a big sigh of relief. Many people who are approved for SSD continue to receive those benefits until they reach full retirement age. Then, they...

Social Security’s union employees secure a telework deal through 2029 Written by:   Scott Layden, DHG Senior Disability Advocate Outgoing Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley negotiated an updated contract with Social Security employees who are...

ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHT: Putting Your Medical Providers To Work For You Written by:  Jennifer HC Walker, DHG Senior Disability Advocate Welcome to the Advocate Spotlight. My name is Jennifer HC Walker. I am a licensed attorney in both Florida and New Jersey and I have...