DRC & Research News

Guest Post by Disability Benefits Help

If you’re unable to manage your diabetes with lifestyle changes and medication, you may be eligible for assistance. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers monthly disability benefits for people who are unable to work due to an illness or injury that will last for at least 12 months. While it is challenging to qualify with diabetes, those with significant complications may be eligible for help.

Medical Eligibility Via the Blue Book

The SSA uses its own medical guidebook of eligibility criteria, known colloquially as the Blue Book, when deeming eligibility status. Diabetes is not listed as a disabling condition in the Blue Book, but some of its complications are. Here are a couple of listings you may be able to qualify under:

Amputation

An amputation alone also will not qualify for disability benefits, but you will be eligible if you can meet any one of the following criteria:

• You have both hands amputated
• You have two limbs amputated but you’re unable to walk without use of two crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair
• You have an amputation at the hip

If your mobility is severely limited, you should be able to qualify under the amputation listing. Keep in mind that this listing is for people who are unable to successfully use artificial limbs. If you’re able to walk with an artificial limb, you will not qualify here.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy will also qualify under the Blue Book. The first listing states that you’ll be eligible if you have neuropathy in at least two limbs and it makes it impossible for you to either stand from a seated position, balance while standing upright, or walk without using crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair.

If you still have some mobility but it’s affecting your ability to work, you will also qualify if you have significant difficulty with any one of the following areas of intellectual function:

• Understanding, remembering, and applying information
• Interacting with others in a work setting
• Concentrating and completing tasks
• “Adapting oneself,” which means controlling emotions in a work setting

The entire Blue Book can be found online, so you can review it with your doctor to determine if you qualify. There are dozens of listings that may be relevant for people with diabetes, including cardiovascular disorders, additional mobility problems, and more.

Starting Your Application

The easiest way to apply for disability is online on the SSA’s website. If you’d prefer, you can also apply in person with the assistance from a Social Security representative. Call the SSA toll free at 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to apply in person at your closest SSA office.

It should take three to five months to hear back from the SSA regarding your claim. The more disabilities and complications of diabetes you list on your application, the better your odds of approval.

Resources:

• Social Security Website https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
• Social Security Website https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/1.00-Musculoskeletal-Adult.htm – 1_05
• Free Disability Evaluation https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/neuropathy-and-social-security-disability
• Social Security Website https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib
• Free Disability Evaluation https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/social-security-disability-locations