At Peña & Bromberg, we understand the immense challenges faced by individuals living with diabetes. Diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, is not just a medical condition; it’s a daily battle that affects every aspect of your life.
Managing diabetes requires constant vigilance, and for many, it significantly impacts their ability to work and perform daily tasks. This is where understanding your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits becomes crucial.
The government provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling impairment. These federal benefit programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you want to learn more about how you can qualify for SSI or SSDI with diabetes, continue reading.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is an endocrine disorder that affects how the body produces and/or utilizes insulin. It is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people across the country. There are two main types:
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body fails to produce insulin. It’s usually managed with daily insulin injections or a pump.
- Type 2 Diabetes: A condition that develops over time. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t use insulin properly and struggles to maintain normal blood sugar levels. People typically manage type 2 diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication.
Both types of diabetes can lead to a number of corresponding medical issues. These may include coronary artery disease, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), vision loss, neuropathy, skin conditions, kidney disease, and more.
Common symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes often include:
- Frequent urination
- Blurry vision
- High hunger levels
- Extreme thirst
- Extreme fatigue
- Slowed healing
- Weight loss
The Impact of Diabetes on Work and Daily Life
For some people, living with diabetes is manageable, but for others, it can lead to crippling complications. Diabetes has the potential to cause a variety of conditions that make everyday tasks and maintaining employment extremely challenging. Frequent monitoring and medication is not always enough to keep symptoms under control.
For example, an individual who develops severe neuropathy may become unable to perform their job duties. This may occur despite their efforts to manage their condition through diet and medication. As a result, they could lose their job and be unable to find other work.
If you’re no longer able to work because of a medical condition, such as diabetes, it’s important to assess your eligibility for disability benefits.
Eligibility for SSDI or SSI With Diabetes
To qualify for SSDI or SSI with diabetes, your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities. You must provide medical records to support this claim and meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) eligibility requirements. Finally, your condition must fall under a mental or physical impairment listing in the Blue Book.
Diabetes falls under Section 9.00, Endocrine Disorders. The SSA will review your claim by assessing the severity of impairments affecting other body systems caused by your diabetes. For example, long-term complications of chronic hyperglycemia or severe hypoglycemia can lead to heart disease, seizures, cognitive issues, neuropathy, etc.
The SSA will assesses your condition based on:
- Severity of Symptoms
- Your Ability to Perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- Supportive Medical Documentation
Examples of Diabetes-Related Impairments That Qualify for Benefits
Some examples of diabetes-related complications that can qualify you for benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Diabetic neuropathy causing severe nerve damage in the feet or hands
- Diabetic retinopathy leading to significant vision loss
- Kidney disease requiring dialysis
- Poor circulation leading to ulcers or limb amputation
- Hypoglycemia causing seizures, cognitive defects, or altered mental status
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for SSDI or SSI can be a complex process. That’s why our disability attorneys at Peña & Bromberg are here to guide you every step of the way.
We’ll help you gather essential medical evidence and complete your application properly and on time. We understand the SSA’s strict guidelines and review processes. This means we know what records and documentation are crucial to helping you qualify for disability benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Social Security Disability for Diabetic Neuropathy?
Yes, diabetic neuropathy can be a basis for SSDI or SSI eligibility, provided it significantly impairs your daily functioning and ability to work.
Can You Get SSI for Diabetes Type 1 or 2?
Yes, individuals with diabetes can qualify for SSI if severe symptoms prevent them from working. Claimants must also have extremely limited income and resources to be eligible. This is because Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program, unlike SSDI.
Can You Get SSDI for Diabetes Type 1 or 2?
Diabetes can qualify you for SSDI if it causes severe health complications that impede your ability to work. However, you must also meet the SSA’s strict eligibility guidelines. These include such things as being unable to adjust to any new form of work and having sufficient work credits.
How Peña & Bromberg Can Help
At Peña & Bromberg, we help individuals in Fresno, CA and the surrounding areas navigate Social Security Disability. We provide compassionate, professional legal assistance.
When you work with us, we take time to understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact of your disability. Our legal team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the benefits you need to maintain your health and quality of life.
Social Security Disability benefits can be a critical support if you’re struggling with severe diabetes. Contact Peña & Bromberg to request a free consultation and allow us to help you secure the benefits you deserve.
