If you've been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that affects your thyroid, you know how far-reaching the effects of the condition can be. What you may not know is that if you are unable to work because of it, you may qualify for Social Security Disability. While qualifying for disability can be a challenge, understanding the basics and how they apply to your condition may make it easier. Here are some things you need to know before you apply.
What Are The General Qualifications?
Before you apply, it's in your best interest to know what's ahead and what you can expect. From a general perspective, the eligibility process is pretty standard. A representative will review your application based on a variety of factors, including your age, your work history, your medical condition, the timeframe for any potential recovery, and more.
The amount you receive for your disability payments will partially be dependent on your work history. In most cases, you need to have contributed to the Social Security program through your payroll for a specific period of time. You'll also have to show that your medical condition prevents you from working and isn't likely to improve or resolve itself over the next year.
What If You Don't Have A Work History?
If your autoimmune diagnosis came early in your adulthood and you haven't had the opportunity to build a work history, that doesn't automatically mean you're not eligible. In some cases, you may be able to qualify under the Social Security record that your parents have established. This is only possible if you are declared disabled before you turn 22 and there's clear evidence that your disability prevents you from working and won't be resolved within 12 months. In this case, you'll receive benefits under the children's benefits program once one of your parents starts collecting retirement, becomes disabled, or passes away.
How Do You Qualify With An Autoimmune Disease?
Autoimmune diseases are challenging in many ways, and qualifying for disability is no exception. There are two different ways that you can qualify for disability with an autoimmune thyroid condition. You have to either qualify under an associated condition within the medically qualified list, or you have to be qualified under a vocational disability exception.
With an autoimmune thyroid condition, there are often many co-existing issues that can arise. Your thyroid gland controls and regulates so many of your body's natural functions, which means that you could find yourself qualifying under one of the automatic eligibility conditions. Things like cardiovascular disease, debilitating anxiety, and even depression may allow you to qualify.
Since thyroid disorders can affect so many aspects of your physical and emotional well-being, it's common to find yourself struggling with focus, energy, memory, and physical health. If you haven't been diagnosed with a comorbid condition that's on the medical eligibility list, you may be able to apply based on vocational disability exceptions. For example, if you can show that the collective effect of all of your symptoms and conditions make it essentially impossible for you to work in any field you're qualified for, you may be eligible for benefits.
You'll be sent to a vocational specialist who will evaluate your work history, if you have one, and your skills. They will review your symptoms and determine how severely they affect your ability to do that kind of work in the future. You'll have to answer questions, and you may be asked to do an assessment or two to show your capabilities.
Autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disorders, are often considered invisible illnesses. The symptoms and struggles aren't always immediately apparent to others but they can heavily affect your daily life. With the information here, you can better understand how you may be able to qualify for disability as a result of your condition. Talk with a Social Security Disability attorney today or check out websites like http://www.socialsecurityesq.com for more information.
Share9 November 2017
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