Can You Get Disability with Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be both debilitating and life-threatening. It can interfere with your ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy daily life. But can you get disability benefits if you have lupus? The short answer is yes. However, securing these benefits can be challenging.

This guide will break down what you need to know, including when lupus qualifies as a disability, what makes it difficult to get approved, and the types of benefits available to people with lupus.

When Is Lupus Considered a Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers lupus a disability if specific criteria are met. They evaluate whether it prevents you from earning a living and performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). Here’s what makes lupus a qualifying disability:

Work Ability

Your lupus symptoms must prevent you from doing your current or previous job and from adjusting to other kinds of work.

Duration

The condition must have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death.

SSA Blue Book Criteria

The SSA outlines specific requirements for lupus:

It affects two or more organs or body systems with at least:

• A moderate level of severity in one of the systems.
• Two or more common symptoms such as fever, severe fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.

It results in recurring symptoms that limit your ability to:

• Manage daily activities.
• Maintain social relationships.
• Complete tasks due to issues with concentration, persistence, or pace.                               

If your condition meets these standards, you stand a strong chance of qualifying for disability benefits.

Why Is It Hard to Get Disability for Lupus?

Securing disability benefits for lupus can be tricky for several reasons:

Variable Symptoms

Lupus does not present the same way in every individual. Some cases are mild, while others are severe. This variability can make it hard to prove the severity of your condition.

Fluctuating Nature

Lupus symptoms can come and go. You may experience severe flare-ups followed by periods where symptoms seem to improve temporarily. This inconsistency complicates the process of proving your inability to work.

Insufficient Medical Evidence

Often, having just a diagnosis is not enough. You must provide thorough medical documentation to show how lupus impacts your life and work capabilities.

Tips for Applying for Disability with Lupus

To improve your chances of getting approved, take these steps when applying:

Gather Strong Medical Evidence

Include detailed records from your doctor, laboratory test results, and notes about your symptoms. Evidence showing how lupus affects daily tasks is crucial.

Track Your Symptoms

Keep a journal of your symptoms, their frequency, and how they disrupt your work or daily life.

Follow Medical Treatment

Compliance with prescribed treatments serves as evidence that you are actively managing your condition.

Consult an Attorney

Disability lawyers specialize in navigating the SSA process and can help strengthen your application.

What Benefits Can You Get for Lupus?

The SSA provides two types of disability benefits:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is available for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. To qualify, you need enough work credits, which depends on your age and when you became disabled.

• Average monthly payment for 2023: $1,483.
• Maximum payment for 2023: $3,627 (for high earners).

2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you don’t have enough work credits, SSI might be an option. This is a needs-based program, designed for people with limited income and resources.

Maximum monthly payment for 2023:

• Individual: $914.
• Couple: $1,371.

If your income exceeds the monthly cap, the SSA will reduce or withhold payment for that month.