Can I Apply for Disability Benefits if I suffer from long-term effects of COVID-19?
Yes, of course you may apply for disability income and you may qualify, however there are no guarantees that you would be approved. Overall, the SSDI approval process is quite challenging under normal times, so when we factor in the nebulous circumstances surrounding COVID-19, qualification becomes more difficult. Currently, less than 40% of applicants are approved after applying for disability income, COVID-19 adds a new dimension of “grey” and it’s best to seek the counsel of professionals as you navigate the application process.
Social Security Defines Disability
A disability as considered by the Social Security Administration takes into account three factors:
- You are unable to do work that you did before because of your medical condition (mental or physical)
- You are unable to adjust to other work because of your physical and or mental condition
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or will result in death.
Social Security pays only for full disability, with no benefits for partial disability or short-term disability. The SSA disability definition is strict, and not like other programs as it assumes that those with a disability have other means by which to secure support. When considering if your long term effects from COVID-19 can lead to securing SSDI, we advise seeking disability benefits assistance.
And there’s more…
In addition to the consideration of your physical and mental conditions caused by your COVID-19 affliction, the SSDI approval process will consider that if you are working, your income must be less that $1310 a month. If you are not working, then the following steps are considered:
- How severe is your condition? For a period of at least 12 months, your condition should have significantly limited your ability to perform basic work related skills such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting or remembering.
- Is your condition on a list of disabling conditions? The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that they consider severe enough and that would prevent you from doing your tasks required for employment. If your condition is on the list, you will be determined as disabled. However if not, the SSA will still review your medical condition and determine if it is severe enough to find you disabled. Part of the review process involves Compassionate Allowances or Quick Disability Determinations. For more information about these, access the free online disability case evaluation with BeneftisClaim.com.
- Are you able to do the work you did previously? Does your physical or mental condition prevent you from doing the work you did in the past?
- And finally, are you able to do any other type of work? Does your physical or mental impairment keep you from trying a different type of work? The SSA will look at your age, past work, of course all your medical conditions and look to see if there is any other type of gainful employment that you can perform. If not, then they would identify you as disabled.
Bottom line, if you can do any type of work at all, you might likely be denied. However, all of your medical records, and utilizing that professional disability benefits assistance when completing an application, is key to making sure no stone is left unturned.
Challenges for those who suffer the long-haul effects of COVID 19
According to Mayo Clinic, many individuals, or “Long-Haulers”, who continue to suffer from COVID-19, deal with a variety of symptoms including but not limited to:
- chronic pain, headaches
- fatigue, concentration or sleep problems
- poor decision making
- muscle weakness, muscle pain
- problems with speech and communication
- depression or anxiety
- memory problems
While these certainly are real health concerns, these “Long-haulers” need to meet the criteria of having these issues for at least 12 months, and many of the symptoms are difficult to prove. Having strong documentation of all symptoms as well as physician’s records will be beneficial while you navigate the application for disability benefits.
Statistically, not all individuals who have contracted COVID-19 develop long-term complications. With a survival rate of close to 99%, we can be optimistic. However, within this survival rate, the effects can include those symptoms listed above, or perhaps more serious complications. With reported long term damage to your organs, including the heart, kidneys, lungs and brain as well as the long lasting breathing problems, stroke, Guillain-Barre syndrome-a condition that may cause temporary paralysis, it can be nearly impossible to maintain employment. All of these conditions should be well documented, back by your physicians and discussed as you apply for disability benefits.
Start this process of applying for disability income with professional assistance. By completing a disability benefits case evaluation with BenefitsClaim.com you can begin this journey with confidence. Surviving COVID and the overwhelming effects of fear that arises from a global pandemic are quite enough for you to handle. Suffering physical and or emotional long term conditions as a result of this virus is life changing. While the road to securing benefits may be tough to navigate, you have certainly made it through the toughest part already and survived. We welcome an opportunity to come alongside and assist you as you walk through the disability claims application.
