Eligibility for Disability Benefits After a Heart Attack

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you need to show that your condition meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of a disability. In general, the SSA considers a disability to be a condition that:

• Prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• Is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

If you’ve had a heart attack, whether you qualify for disability benefits will depend on the severity of your condition, how it impacts your ability to work, and how long it’s expected to last.

Types of Disability Benefits Available

There are two main types of Social Security Disability benefits:

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): This program is for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): This program is for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history.
  
  

If you qualify for either SSDI or SSI and can demonstrate that your heart attack and its effects prevent you from working, you may be able to receive benefits.

How the SSA Evaluates Disability After a Heart Attack

The SSA uses a listing of impairments to determine whether you qualify for disability benefits. While there isn’t a specific listing for “heart attack,” certain conditions caused by a heart attack may qualify under the SSA’s cardiovascular system listings. These include:

Chronic Heart Failure (Listing 4.02)

If your heart attack led to chronic heart failure, you may be eligible under Listing 4.02. To meet the requirements, you must show that your condition meets one of the following criteria:

• Severe limitation in your ability to perform physical activities, like walking or standing.
• Frequent hospitalizations or ongoing medical interventions for heart failure.
• Signs that your heart is unable to pump blood effectively, resulting in severe limitations to your overall functioning.

Coronary Artery Disease (Listing 4.04)

If the heart attack resulted in coronary artery disease (CAD), you may meet the SSA’s criteria under Listing 4.04. To qualify, you must provide evidence of one or more of the following:

• Severe restrictions in your ability to function, such as difficulty with physical exertion.
• Significant impairment in your ability to perform tasks due to pain, fatigue, or other heart-related symptoms.
• Tests, such as angiograms or stress tests, that show severe narrowing of the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.

Recurrent Arrhythmias (Listing 4.05)

If you developed severe arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) after a heart attack, you may qualify under Listing 4.05. This includes cases where:

• You experience severe arrhythmias that limit your ability to function and require ongoing treatment.
• Your arrhythmias are life-threatening or lead to episodes of fainting or extreme fatigue.

Functional Limitations

Even if your heart attack doesn’t meet the SSA’s specific criteria for chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias, you can still qualify for benefits if you can demonstrate that your condition severely limits your ability to work. The SSA will evaluate:

• Your physical limitations: This includes how your heart attack affects your stamina, ability to walk, lift, or perform basic work tasks.
• The impact on your daily life: If you experience extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain that prevents you from engaging in work-related activities, you may be eligible.
• Ongoing treatment: If your heart attack required long-term treatment, medications, or surgeries, the SSA will take this into account.

Gathering Medical Evidence

To strengthen your disability claim, it’s important to provide solid medical evidence. This includes:

• Medical records showing the heart attack, diagnostic tests, treatments, and ongoing care.
• Doctor’s statements about how your heart condition limits your ability to work and carry out daily tasks.
• Records of hospitalizations, surgeries, or ongoing treatments for heart-related issues.
• Test results such as EKGs, echocardiograms, angiograms, and stress tests that demonstrate the severity of your condition.

The Application Process

To apply for Social Security Disability benefits due to a heart attack, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Determine Which Program You Qualify For: Depending on your work history, you’ll either apply for SSDI (if you’ve worked enough to qualify) or SSI (if you have limited income and resources).
• Fill Out the Application: You can apply online at www.ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
• Submit Your Medical Evidence: Ensure that all relevant medical records, test results, and doctor’s statements are included in your application.
• Follow Up and Be Prepared for Appeals: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Many claims are initially denied, but appealing the decision and providing additional evidence can increase your chances of success.