Social Security Disability for Diabetes
Complications of Diabetes
Serious complications of diabetes include neuropathy (nerve damage), decreased circulation that may result in a foot or leg needing to be amputated, kidney damage, heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. These complications can be disabling.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a federal program paid for by tax dollars. It provides monthly payments to people that are unable to work for one year or more due to a medical condition or other disability. To qualify, people must have worked a certain number of years in the past and paid into Social Security. People that have not worked long enough to qualify for SSDI may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they meet certain income guidelines.
Does Diabetes Qualify?
Many people with diabetes are able to work despite their condition. However, people may qualify for SSDI if their condition causes problems that prevent them from working, such as neuropathy, vision loss, or other serious problems. Talk to your doctor about whether or not your diabetes prevents you from working and whether or not you should expect your symptoms to continue for at least one year.
Applying for Disability
If you are unable to work due to diabetes, you can begin an application for SSDI or SSI online at www.ssa.gov. You can also visit your local Social Security office to begin an application in person. You should begin your application as soon as possible after learning that you will be unable to work for at least one year because the approval process can take several months.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare is a form of health insurance for the elderly and disabled. People that receive SSDI become eligible for Medicare after two years. It pays for treatment for diabetes as well as other medical care. Prior to qualifying for Medicare, disabled people may qualify for Medicaid if they meet certain income guidelines. Medicaid provides health insurance for some low income people and it covers treatment for diabetes as well as other medical care.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DS01121. Diabetes.
Social Security Administration. http://www.ssa.gov/
American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/
Published by Kelly Morris
I am a former social worker and in that capacity, worked with teens and their families to address issues like domestic violence and school violence. I now make my living as a freelance writer. My work has... View profile
- Qualifying for Social Security Disability BenefitsMany people are wary about their chances of being approved for disability benefits. SSA's own statistics show that the old axiom is right; if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
- Georgia Man Awarded Social Security Disability BenefitsAllsup Inc. wins Social Security disability benefits for cancer victim.
Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental IllnessThis article explains the basics of applying for social security disability for mental illness, and offers tips on how to make the process easier.- Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability?This articles discusses the various medical conditions that may qualify you for Social Security Disability. It groups them in the same categories used by SSD.
- How to Apply for Social Security Disability InsuranceThe first thing you need to know is the difference between the two. While they are both the same thing they are funded differently, and the criteria for being accepted is different.
- Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits; What to Expect
- Social Security Disability Insurance: Determine Your Eligibility
- An Overview of Social Security Disability Insurance
- How to Get Social Security Disability Insurance
- The Difference Between Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability...
- Allsup Inc. Reviews the State of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2007
- Social Security Increase for 2009 'COLA', SSDI and Medicare Premiums