Social Security disability benefits exist for the support and benefit of individuals who cannot work and earn a sufficient income due to a medical condition or severe injury. This is also true for some people who have diabetes. While many in West Virginia with this sickness are able to live full lives and work full-time, others may find they are not able to do so. In certain circumstances, diabetes could be a legitimate reason to seek disability benefits.
If you have diabetes, you may wonder if this is an option for you. Even with a valid medical condition and a completed application, it can be quite difficult to navigate the disability claims process. If you would like to move forward with your claim, it may be helpful to learn more about eligibility requirements and how the claims process works.
How do you know if you qualify?
It is not always easy to know if you qualify for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration has a strict definition of what conditions may qualify a person for disability. You may qualify for this type of financial support if the following apply to your situation:
- You have a medical condition or physical injury that prevents you from working.
- This medical condition will last for at least one year or ultimately result in death.
The SSA does not automatically consider diabetes to be a qualifying condition for disability benefits. The SSA evaluates these cases on an individual basis, evaluating the documentation, medical records and other evidence included with the claim to determine whether or not a person qualifies.
There are two types of disability benefits available from the SSA — Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. Which type you may qualify for depends on factors such as income and the value of your personal assets.
Help from the very beginning
It is in your interests to seek assistance with your disability claim from the initial steps of the application. In fact, you may find great benefit in first speaking with an attorney about your concerns for your case before you move forward.
An experienced disability claims attorney can help you understand your options, as well as navigate the complexities of the claims process. Many initial claims come back denied, and it may be necessary to walk through a reconsideration or appeals process. Getting disability benefits is not an easy process to undertake, but you do not have to walk through it alone.