If you are struggling to work because of a disability, it may be time to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. SSDI helps cover those with disabilities by providing them with an income that they can rely on as they seek care.
The trouble with SSDI is how difficult it is to qualify. Those with disabilities have to prove that they are unable to work and that their condition is expected to last at least a year or longer. Some conditions are rare, which may make it harder to qualify, but that’s not to say that it is impossible.
Are rare diseases covered under SSDI?
Yes, even if a disease is not on the SSDI’s listing of impairments, it’s still possible to seek disability coverage. The condition may be evaluated similarly to another disease or illness in the same category if it isn’t specifically listed. Even if it’s similar to nothing else, medical evidence can help prove that you are struggling with this condition and that it is disabling.
The Social Security Administration’s listing of impairments ranges across several categories. Some include:
- Respiratory disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Skin disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Hematological disorders
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Your condition may be rare enough not to fall into one of those categories, but the likelihood is that it will fall into one of the 14 categories listed by the listing of impairments. Your specific disease may not be mentioned, but so long as you can show that you are physically or mentally disabled as a result of the illness and meet other qualifiers, then you should be able to seek disability benefits.
If your illness is terminal, or if it’s obvious that you are disabled from it, it may also be possible to use compassionate allowances to receive disability benefits sooner. There is a list of compassionate allowances conditions that you can check for rare and severe disorders.
Living with a disability is difficult, but you can seek the benefits that you need to make your financial situation more secure. Your attorney will walk you through the application process to help you seek the support you need.
