Can You Get Disability For Cystic Fibrosis?
What Is Cystic Fibrosis and How Does It Affect Your Ability To Work?
Cystic fibrosis, or CF, is a genetic disorder primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. It causes the body to produce thick mucus that can block airways and trap bacteria, risking lung infections, lung damage, and breathing problems. CF also makes it harder for the body to digest food and absorb nutrients, which can harm a person’s overall health.
The impact of CF on an individual’s mind and body can make it significantly more challenging to work and hold a job. Common impacts include chronic coughing, lung infections, and shortness of breath that make physically laborious jobs more difficult. The same applies to jobs that require a lot of talking or exposure to airborne irritants.
CF’s effects on the digestive system can cause chronic fatigue and frequent medical appointments, making jobs with rigid schedules and limited breaks difficult to manage. At its worst, CF can necessitate extended hospital stays, creating a need for sick leave. This can disrupt a regular work schedule and make it much harder to hold a job.
Does Cystic Fibrosis Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Individuals who can not work because of a disabling condition may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, SSI. To qualify for benefits, applicants must have a condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability—an impairment that prevents the applicant from performing substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA recognizes cystic fibrosis as a disabling condition, listing the eligibility criteria for the disease in its Blue Book.
SSA Blue Book Listing 3.04: Cystic Fibrosis Criteria
To qualify under this Blue Book listing, the Social Security Administration requires the condition to meet one or more of the following medical criteria:
- Low FEV1 values
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Recurring infections
- Pneumothorax
- Hemoptysis
- Pulmonary exacerbations requiring IV antibiotics
Documentation, such as pulmonary function tests, hospital records, physician notes, and respiratory culture results, is crucial in proving eligibility
How to Apply for Disability Benefits With Cystic Fibrosis
The application process for SSDI can take several months to complete and involves the following steps:
Determine Eligibility
The first step is determining whether you are eligible for benefits. Before you apply, ensure you meet the basic requirements of working and paying into Social Security for a sufficient amount of time, and that you have a disabling medical condition expected to last 12 months or more, or result in death.
Gather Documents
Next, you will want to collect documentation to prove the existence and extent of your disability and establish your work history.
This evidence includes the following:
- Medical records, such as doctor’s notes, test results, and hospitalizations
- Work history
- W-2s or tax returns
- List of medications and treatments
- Contact info for all health care providers
- A list of tasks you regularly did in the jobs you’ve held, and how your condition affects your ability to perform them
Apply
You can apply for disability benefits through the ssa.gov website, via phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Review of Your Application
Once you have applied, the SSA will review your application to determine whether you meet non-medical criteria with work credits and income. If so, your case will be sent to a state agency, often known as the Disability Determination Services, or DDS, to continue the process.
Medical Evaluation
The DDS will review your medical records and may request additional information or ask that you attend a consultative exam with a doctor of their choosing.
Initial Decision
You will typically receive a decision in the mail within three to six months. However, approximately 70 percent of applicants’ claims are denied at this stage.
Appeal
Even if your case is denied, you can still appeal through the following levels:
- Reconsideration – Another reviewer assesses the case again.
- Hearing – You appear before an administrative law judge if the reconsideration process isn’t successful.
- Appeals Council – A panel reviews the administrative law judge’s decision.
- Federal Court – If all SSA levels deny you, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
Our compassionate team can represent you from start to finish by collecting documentation, submitting your claim, appealing your case, and advocating for you at a hearing if needed.
How to Strengthen Your Disability Claim for CF
You can take several vital steps to strengthen your claim’s viability and increase its chances of approval.
- Collect documentation of regular checkups and consistent specialist visits
- Comply with the treatment plan
- Track symptoms' effects on daily tasks, work attendance, and mental health
- Include work history in detail
- Work with a professional advocate on your case
- Double-check your application using SSA’s online checklist before submission.
Get Help Qualifying for Disability With Cystic Fibrosis
While many CF patients are eligible for disability benefits, approval heavily depends on proper documentation. Get expert help from Disability Advice to file or appeal your claim. Our dedicated advocates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure your application is filed correctly and completed with thorough evidence.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can assist you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cystic Fibrosis and SSDI
Can Children With CF Qualify For Disability?
Yes, children with cystic fibrosis can qualify for disability benefits through the SSI program if they meet medical and financial eligibility requirements. However, SSDI is based on work history, so children are generally not eligible for this program.
Can I Work Part-Time and Still Receive Benefits?
While it is possible to work part-time and still receive benefits, this depends on the program you apply for. For SSDI, your monthly income must remain below the Substantial Gainful Activity level, which changes yearly. Similarly, you can apply for SSI while working part-time. The SSA will disregard the first $85 per month of earned or unearned income. After that, your benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn.
What if My SSDI Application Is Denied?
If your application is denied, you can file an appeal. You must do so within 60 days of the initial denial for reconsideration. You can appeal through various other levels if your case continues to be denied, including a hearing, appeals council review, and federal court review.
Does CF Qualify for Long-Term Disability Through Private Insurance Too?
Yes, CF can qualify for long-term disability benefits through private insurance if it significantly impairs your ability to work. However, approval depends on your specific policy terms, your medical documentation, and how your condition affects your job duties. You may also qualify for other government disability benefits beyond SSDI. Our team can provide a more detailed explanation during an initial consultation.
- Free case evaluation
- Assist with denied claims
- Ensure you have all documents
- Make the process easy for you
- What Is Cystic Fibrosis and How Does It Affect Your Ability To Work?
- Does Cystic Fibrosis Qualify for Disability Benefits?
- SSA Blue Book Listing 3.04: Cystic Fibrosis Criteria
- How to Apply for Disability Benefits With Cystic Fibrosis
- How to Strengthen Your Disability Claim for CF
- Get Help Qualifying for Disability With Cystic Fibrosis
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cystic Fibrosis and SSDI
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“Professionalism at its best. From intake to getting my claim started, they are the ones you need. 100% recommend to everyone.”
Pablo P.
“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
“I had a great experience with my representative. She was very friendly and she made the process very easy. I’m glad I had the pleasure to work with her in filing my claim. She provided great customer service.”
Dana C.
“I was very nervous about reaching out for help with disability benefits. This experience was so much easier than what I thought it would be. They were understanding and supportive, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
Alice P.
“One of the best customer service experiences I have ever had. Patient and kind and couldn’t of made my experience better. Thank you for all the help.”
Jama M.
“The person I spoke with was very knowledgeable and very thorough with answering all of my questions and making sure all my information was correct. He was very patient, kind, and was very helpful. I wasn’t sure if I would qualify, and he checked and took all of my information. The process was made very easy, thank you so much for your help.”
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