Principal Attorney
A recent study found that 1 in 10 people get long COVID after an Omicron infection. In this article, we’ll explore the qualifications necessary for a successful SSDI claim and what individuals should know about the process.
Does Long COVID Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
For millions of people who contracted COVID-19, the virus was a nightmare that would not go away. They experienced chronic symptoms that lingered. This is Long COVID. Long COVID is when a person experiences COVID symptoms for weeks to months after they have a COVID infection. More specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines Long COVID as a case of COVID where the symptoms last longer than four weeks after the person has COVID.
Symptoms of Long COVID can be more than just long-lasting, they can be debilitating and impact a person’s daily life. In some cases, Long COVID symptoms may prevent a person from being able to work. Long COVID symptoms may include:
- Severe fatigue
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty thinking (brain fog)
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Dizziness when moving to stand up
- Heart palpitations
- Depression
- Anxiety
If Long COVID is preventing you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits should you meet certain criteria. After all, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights has deemed Long COVID illness that “substantially limits one or more major life activities” as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you are suffering from Long COVID, you may be able to access Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI can provide critical financial support to those who are unable to work due to disabling conditions. SSDI pays out benefits to qualifying individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes on their income prior to becoming disabled. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “work credits” for the time you work and the amount you have contributed to Social Security. Your work credits will factor into how much you will receive in SSDI benefits should your benefits application be approved.
When applying for SSDI benefits, make sure you provide a thorough medical history of your disabling condition. This will include producing the relevant medical records along with a list of your treating medical providers and hospitalization dates. You should also detail any therapies or rehabilitations you have received for your Long COVID and any medications you take. Proper and thorough medical documentation detailing your Long COVID as a disabling medical condition will be critical in successfully applying for SSDI benefits.
Los Angeles Social Security Disability Attorney
Has Long COVID prevented you from returning to work? Are you feeling the financial pressure that comes with extended missed work and lost wages? Do not delay in reaching out to the team at Disability Advocates. We are here to help you access critical SSDI benefits that can provide you with the financial support you need to get through your inability to work due to your disabling condition. Contact us today.
