Social Security Disability Claims Process for Chronic Conditions

The Social Security Disability (SSD) program awards benefits to individuals of all ages with disabilities. Specifically, a person may qualify for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), depending on his or her circumstances. If you are unable to work or have limited income and resources due to a disabling condition, you may qualify for either disability program, respectively.

Many applicants are approved for disability benefits on the basis of chronic illnesses, which are defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as diseases that last one year or more and which require ongoing medical attention or limit daily activities, or both. If you or a family member have been suffering from an illness for at least a year, the skilled team at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, can help you better understand the Social Security Disability claims process for chronic conditions and what that could look like in your situation.

Information You Need to Claim SSD Benefits

Individuals may be eligible for disability benefits if their chronic condition leaves them unable to work or gain enough income necessary to stay independent. After beginning the process of obtaining SSD benefits, it may be necessary to provide (1) proof of citizenship and (2) proof of disability. Listed below are just a few of the documents you may need to submit to the SSA to obtain SSD benefits for a chronic condition:

• Birth certificate
• W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns
• An adult disability report
• The medical evidence of your disease

In addition to these general documents, you will also have to answer a list of questions about how your chronic condition impacts your day-to-day life, including the date on which you could no longer work because of illness, the names of your current and former employers, and your earnings in the last year. The documents you provide and the answers you give to the questions impact the SSA’s decision on whether to award you disability benefits.

Eligible Chronic Conditions for Benefits

Below is a list of the top disabling chronic conditions that may be eligible for benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If any of the following conditions apply to you, contacting an attorney can help you gain the benefits you need:

• Heart failure
• Blood clots
• Crohn’s Disease
• Hepatitis
• Various types of cancer
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Cerebral Palsy
• Epilepsy
• Fibromyalgia

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of all qualifying chronic conditions, so even if your diagnosis doesn’t appear here, you should still seek legal counsel.

Reach out to Our Firm Today

If you or a loved one are struggling with the Social Security Disability claims process for chronic conditions, reaching out to a talented attorney could greatly benefit you. The dedicated team at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, works hard to help our clients obtain the benefits they deserve. Contact us today for more information, to ask any questions, or to voice any concerns.