If you are unable to work due to the complications of type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
Not everyone with diabetes is eligible. Even if you do, applying for benefits can be a time-consuming and difficult procedure.
Many people successfully manage their diabetes through medicine, exercise, and diet. However, the consequences of uncontrolled diabetes can have a substantial influence on some people’s daily lives.
If your diabetes symptoms prevent you from working full-time despite continued medical care, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
Let’s take a look at how you can get a disability for diabetes.
Can you get a disability for diabetes?
Yes, you can get a disability for diabetes. However, not all diabetics are eligible. Individuals living with diabetes can be eligible for disability benefits if their condition has a significant impact on their ability to work.
Disability benefits for people living with diabetes and its severe complications of it are available through programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Disability determination is based on the severity of the individual’s condition and their ability to perform work-related tasks.
Applying for benefits can be a complicated and time-consuming process. You will need medical evidence to support your claim for such benefits.
Are there any benefits for diabetes disability?
There are two kinds of benefits that you can get for diabetes disability. These are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
If you are unable to work due to health difficulties, this type will pay you a monthly payment.
The amount you’ll receive is determined by how much you earned while working. Adults of any age who have worked for a qualifying period are eligible for SSDI benefits.
The payment begins after 6 months of continuous disability, and a person will be eligible for Medicare after 24 months.
For persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), this qualification will be immediate.
To be eligible, you must have worked for at least five of the last ten years. SSI provides basic financial assistance to people of any age who are disabled and have a low income or resources.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides basic financial assistance to people of any age who are disabled and have a low income or resources. This also includes a monthly payment.
However, this program is only for people who earn less than a particular amount (which varies each year) and do not have much in savings (less than $2,000 if you’re single or $3,000 if you’re married).
You do not have to have worked to qualify for SSI payments. The benefit commences one month after the claim is filed.
Children who do not qualify for SSI may be eligible for Medicaid (a government-run health insurance program for folks with low incomes).
How can I qualify for disability for diabetes?
A person with type 2 diabetes must produce evidence of their diagnosis and symptoms from an appropriate medical source in order to qualify for disability compensation.
The evidence must be accurate and full, and it must be submitted in a timely manner to aid claims processing.
When determining disability benefits, the entity in charge (typically The Social Security Administration (SSA)) will evaluate information from both medical and nonmedical sources.
For a person to qualify, their handicap must have afflicted them for at least 12 months.
You may also be eligible if you are unable to control your diabetes and have experienced major health concerns as a result of your diabetes being uncontrolled.
An example is the condition hyperglycemia (excessive blood sugar) which can result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It is a potentially fatal disorder in which your blood sugar and acid levels are abnormally high.
Your hyperglycemia can also develop persistently. This can lead to major nerve or blood vessel problems, affecting your eyes, heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.
Hypoglycemia (when your blood sugar remains dangerously low) might cause seizures or have an impact on your mental state.
If any of these prevent you from working as you have been and you are unable to find another job that matches your age, education, and experience, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
How can I apply for diabetes disability?
You can do so at your local Social Security Administration office or through state authorities (called Disability Determination Services or DDS).
Applying in person is also another way. You can do this by phone, through the mail, or online.
DDS will gather information from your doctors in order to determine whether your diabetes qualifies as a disability. If you are not eligible, your case is saved in case you desire to appeal.
The process takes time. A decision can take 3 to 5 months, depending on how long DDS takes to obtain your medical records and other information.
When filing for disability benefits, a person should have the following information on hand:
- evidence of age and Social Security number
- any disability-related medical records, including:
- data on all medications, including dosages, based on test and laboratory findings
- dates of any doctor’s office, hospital, or other medical institution visits
- information on all medical practitioners or organizations that have offered care, such as doctors, caseworkers, clinics, and hospitals
- employment information, such as the type of job performed and the location of employment
- the most current W-2 form or a copy of a federal tax return if self-employed;
Originals or certified copies from an issuing office should be used. The documents can be sent or brought to a Social Security office where personnel will make photocopies and return the originals.
What factors influence eligibility?
A person will be eligible for disability benefits only if they can demonstrate total or severe disability that precludes them from performing the majority of their work.
Medical professionals must anticipate that the handicap will continue at least a year or will result in death.
The earnings cap is adjusted annually. People who earn more than this amount cannot continue to get disability payments.
What if the application is rejected?
A person who has been denied disability payments may file an appeal. People have a limited time to file an appeal online or by phone. The initial response letter will provide instructions on how to file an appeal.
When filing an appeal, a person may be required to supply new information about their medical condition, as well as any additional tests or treatments they have received since the initial decision.
Summary
Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications, making a person eligible for disability benefits.
There are two sorts of benefits: SSDI, which requires a certain amount of time in the workforce, and SSI, which can help persons with disabilities at any age and stage of their employment.
People can apply for disability benefits online, over the phone, or in person at their local Social Security office.
People will be required to produce evidence of age, their social security number, and medical records relevant to their ailment.
WRITTEN AND EDITED RESPECTIVELY BY:
Michael Sarfo
Michael Sarfo is a graduate of the University of Ghana, Legon. He is a content creator for enochkabange.com and a writer for Wapomu
Dr. Ehoneah Obed is a registered pharmacist and a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana. He has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and has experience working in a Tertiary hospital as well as various community pharmacies. He is also a software engineer interested in healthcare technologies.
His love for helping others motivates him to create content on an array of topics mostly relating to the health of people and also software engineering content.
He is knowledgeable in digital marketing, content marketing, and a host of other skills that make him versatile enough to uplift any team he joins.
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