What is Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. There are two primary programs that offer assistance:

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. Your eligibility is based on your work history and the number of work credits you have accumulated.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): This program provides benefits based on financial need rather than work history. If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for SSI benefits, even if you have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI.

Can Diabetes Qualify for Social Security Disability?

Diabetes itself is not automatically considered a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, it can qualify you for benefits if it meets certain criteria. Diabetes-related complications can lead to disabling conditions that may qualify you for SSDI or SSI.

The SSA evaluates your claim based on how diabetes impacts your ability to work. For diabetes, the following factors are considered:

• Diabetic Neuropathy: This is a common complication of diabetes, which can result in nerve damage and severe pain, often in the legs, feet, and hands. This can limit your ability to stand, walk, and perform manual tasks.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetes can affect the eyes and lead to vision problems, including blindness or severe vision impairment, making it difficult or impossible to work.
• Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Diabetes can cause kidney damage, leading to kidney failure, which may require dialysis and significantly impact your ability to perform daily tasks or work.
• Heart Disease: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart disease, which can further limit your ability to work, especially in physically demanding jobs.
• Amputations: Severe complications from diabetes can lead to amputation of toes, feet, or legs, which would significantly limit your ability to work.

How to Apply for Social Security Disability if You Have Diabetes

If you believe your diabetes or its complications are preventing you from working, here’s a step-by-step guide to apply for SSDI or SSI:

• Gather Medical Documentation: One of the most important factors in applying for disability benefits is providing medical evidence of how your diabetes affects your ability to work. This includes:
• Medical records from your healthcare providers, such as doctors, specialists, and hospitals.
• Blood sugar tests and results that show your diabetes is not well-controlled.
• Doctor’s opinion on how your diabetes and any complications are preventing you from working. This could include the limitations caused by nerve damage, vision issues, kidney problems, or other complications.
• Treatment history: Information on medications, insulin use, hospitalizations, and any surgeries or procedures related to your diabetes.
• Complete the SSDI/SSI Application: You can apply for SSDI or SSI benefits online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website at www.ssa.gov. Alternatively, you can apply by calling 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office.
• Be specific about how diabetes affects your daily life and ability to work. The SSA will assess how your condition limits your ability to do basic work tasks and whether you can perform any kind of work.
• Include your work history and any information on past jobs, including what tasks you were required to perform and how diabetes prevents you from continuing those tasks.
• Submit Medical Evidence: It’s crucial that you provide detailed medical records showing that your diabetes is disabling. Be sure to submit up-to-date medical evidence, including blood work, physical exams, and notes from specialists like endocrinologists, cardiologists, or ophthalmologists who treat your diabetes.
• Work with Your Doctor: A letter from your treating physician that explains the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work can significantly strengthen your application. Make sure your doctor clearly states that you are unable to work due to your diabetes-related complications.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you submit your application, the SSA will begin reviewing your case. This process typically takes several months. Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Review: The SSA will evaluate your medical records, work history, and how your diabetes affects your ability to perform basic work tasks. This can take 3 to 5 months.
• Reconsideration: If your application is denied (which happens to many applicants), you can request reconsideration, where another SSA representative reviews your case. This review process may take an additional 3 to 4 months.
• Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing with an ALJ. This hearing can take 12 to 18 months depending on the wait time in your area. It allows you to present your case in person.
• Appeals Process: If your hearing is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the Appeals Council or even take your case to federal court.