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
- Whether you meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled”
What is Hepatitis C?
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.
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