What is a Chronic Illness?

A chronic illness refers to a health condition that persists over a long period, often for the rest of your life. These conditions can be physically and mentally debilitating and may include diseases like:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease

Each of these illnesses can interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks and hold a job, which may make you eligible for SSDI if they are severe enough.

Eligibility for SSDI for Chronic Illness

To qualify for SSDI based on a chronic illness, you must meet the following criteria:

• Work History: You need to have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled, but in most cases, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
• Disability Severity: Your chronic illness must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). In other words, your condition must stop you from being able to work full time. The SSA will look at how your illness impacts your ability to perform basic job functions.
• Duration of Disability: The SSA requires that your chronic illness be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. If you have a chronic illness that is expected to continue indefinitely or severely limit your ability to work for at least a year, you may qualify for benefits.
• Medical Evidence: You must provide comprehensive medical documentation to support your claim. This includes doctor’s records, lab tests, imaging results, treatment history, and a description of how your chronic illness impairs your ability to perform work-related tasks.

Steps to Apply for SSDI for Chronic Illness

• Gather Your Medical Documentation
  The most critical part of your SSDI claim is medical evidence. The SSA will require proof that your chronic illness is serious enough to prevent you from working. Here’s what you need to gather:
• Medical Records: Obtain detailed records from your treating physicians, including hospital visits, test results, and treatment plans.
• Specialist Reports: If you are seeing specialists for your chronic illness (e.g., rheumatologists, neurologists), be sure to include their reports and any additional evidence they can provide.
• Doctor’s Opinion: A statement from your treating doctor explaining how your condition affects your ability to work is crucial. This letter should outline your limitations, treatment history, and prognosis.

• Complete the SSDI Application
  Once you have gathered your medical evidence, you can begin the application process. You can apply for SSDI:
• Online: The easiest way to apply is through the SSA’s online application portal at www.ssa.gov.
• By Phone: You can also apply over the phone by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
• In Person: If you prefer to apply in person, visit your local Social Security office to complete the application.

• Fill Out the Application Carefully
  It’s important to be thorough and honest when filling out the SSDI application. Make sure to include all the necessary information, such as:
• Personal Information: Your Social Security number, birth date, and other personal details.
• Work History: A list of jobs you’ve had in the past 15 years, including dates, duties, and employers.
• Medical History: Detailed information about your chronic illness and how it affects your ability to work.

• Submit Your Application and Wait for a Decision
  After submitting your application, the SSA will review your case. This process typically takes several months, and the SSA may request additional information from your doctors. It’s crucial to stay organized and responsive during this time. If approved, you will start receiving SSDI benefits. If denied, don’t give up – many claims are initially denied but can be successfully appealed.

What to Do If Your SSDI Claim Is Denied for Chronic Illness

It’s not uncommon for SSDI claims to be denied, even for chronic illness. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Here’s how the appeals process works:

• Request Reconsideration: This is the first step in the appeals process. The SSA will review your case again and may request additional information.
• Request a Hearing: If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing allows you to present new evidence, testify about your illness, and explain why you are unable to work.
• Appeal to the Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the Appeals Council, who will evaluate whether there was an error in the ALJ’s decision.
• Federal Court: If the Appeals Council denies your claim, you can take your case to federal court. This is the final step in the appeals process, but it may require legal representation.