Can You Get Disability For Multiple Sclerosis(MS)?
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic neurological disorder that can make it difficult to maintain employment. It can cause a range of severe symptoms, such as mobility problems, impaired motor function, cognitive issues, chronic fatigue, numbness, speech difficulties, and vision impairment. These symptoms can make even the easiest work tasks impossible.
If MS has limited your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Disability Advice can help. We can connect you with an experienced and knowledgeable advocate who can assist with the application process and pursue the benefits you deserve. Call our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The immune system slowly damages and destroys the myelin sheath covering the nerve fibers, making it more difficult—or impossible—for the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. Repeated flare-ups can permanently damage the nerves in the body, leading to a loss of functionality.
Common Symptoms of MS
Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include the following:
- Bladder dysfunction
- Bowel dysfunction
- Cognitive changes
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Emotional changes
- Numbness or tingling
- Dysesthesia, known as an MS hug
- Itching or pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Spasticity
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Walking and gait difficulties
- Vision changes or blindness
- Weakness
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Loss of taste
- Breathing issues
- Swallowing difficulties
- Speech issues
- Tremors
Every person’s case of MS differs, and the exact symptoms you experience may be any combination of the above. These symptoms often affect the ability to maintain employment. When they affect your ability to work and live your life normally, then you may be able to seek SSDI to support you.
How MS Affects Work Ability
MS can affect the ability to work in many ways, but the most common are through the cognitive, physical, or mental health functions. Many people do need to ask for accommodations in the workplace, such as the ability to sit instead of standing, and they may feel limited when disclosing their MS diagnosis, although disclosure is not required by law when you apply for a job.
Can You Qualify for SSDI With Multiple Sclerosis?
To be eligible for SSDI, an applicant must demonstrate they are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a disabling physical or mental condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Objective medical evidence must demonstrate the severity of the condition and its impact on the ability to work.
In addition, the applicant must have worked a sufficient length of time and paid enough into the system through payroll taxes.
In addition, your work history must demonstrate that you have paid enough into the system through payroll taxes to qualify for SSDI benefits. However, SSI is a needs-based program that pays low-income individuals with disabilities. Thus, there is no work history requirement.
Multiple sclerosis is a qualifying condition for SSDI. The Social Security Administration assesses it under Listing 11.09 of its Blue Book, which provides the specific medical criteria for qualifying conditions.
To qualify, the applicant must show they have disorganized motor function of two extremities that results in extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities.
Alternatively, they can show that they have marked limitations in physical function and one of the following:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself
Residual Functional Capacity and MS
If your condition doesn’t fully meet the Blue Book criteria, you might still be able to qualify for benefits through a Residual Functional Capacity assessment, or RFC. The RFC assessment evaluates the maximum work-related activities an applicant can perform despite their limitations. The assessment will consider physical limitations, mental capabilities, and other relevant restrictions. In assessing MS, the RFC will look at the following:
- Your ability to sit, stand, walk, or lift
- Whether you have fatigue and pain that affect your daily activities
- Whether you have cognitive issues that impact your communication, memory, and concentration
The SSA bases the assessment on the record, including medical evidence, doctors’ assessments, medical tests, and your statements about your health.
The Disability Application Process for MS
The application process for MS is the same as for other disabilities. You should apply as soon as possible after your disability’s onset, as there is a five-month waiting period. You can apply online, visit your local office, or call a Social Security representative for help at 800-772-1213.
The majority of initial disability applications are denied. Thus, working with the skilled team at Disability Advice can significantly improve your chances of success. We will help you submit your SSDI claim and ensure that your medical records and other documents support your completed application before submission.
Challenges in Getting Disability for MS
Several challenges can make getting disability for MS harder than for some other conditions. Those obstacles could include the following:
- Fluctuating symptoms that are difficult to quantify: Many people have relapsing-remitting MS, which makes it harder to show a long-term disability.
- A lack of documentation: The SSA often wants extensive evidence, including documentation of how MS limits your ability to work, which can be difficult to build out if you have relapsing-remitting MS.
- Invisible symptoms: Invisible symptoms, such as pain, cognitive changes, and fatigue, are hard to measure.
Dealing With Denied Claims
A denied claim can feel devastating when you are dealing with MS. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Your denial letter will describe the reason for the denial. It’s crucial to gather all missing or updated medical records to resubmit with your appeal.
Navigating the Appeal Process
You have four opportunities to appeal the decision by the SSA. You can start by requesting reconsideration. If that reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. If the judge rejects your claim, you can seek review by Social Security’s Appeals Council. Finally, if the Appeals Council rules against you, you can file a lawsuit in a federal District Court.
Multiple Sclerosis Disability FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Get Disability for MS?
The time it takes to get disability benefits for MS will depend on the complexity of your case, how quickly you provide the necessary medical evidence, whether further medical examinations are necessary, the agency’s backlog of claims, and whether an appeal is necessary. Most people get a response to their initial application within six to eight months.
Can MS Patients Work While Receiving SSDI?
You can still do a minimal level of work while receiving SSDI benefits. When you are, you can work as long as you don’t earn more than the limit for substantial gainful activity, which is $1,620 for disabled individuals who aren’t blind in 2025.
Can I Get Disability Benefits if I Have a Mild Form of MS?
It is technically possible to qualify for benefits with a mild form of MS, but you will need to provide proof that your symptoms limit your ability to work. You still must meet the requirements in the SSA Blue Book Listing 11.09 .
Let Us Help With Your MS SSDI Claim
Multiple sclerosis is a life-changing condition. You may be able to get disability for multiple sclerosis if you qualify based on your symptoms. Navigating the SSDI process can be challenging, though, especially for those who have cognitive challenges related to MS. If MS has made it difficult or impossible for you to keep working, our team at Disability Advice is here for you. We connect you with experienced disability lawyers who understand what it takes to make a thorough claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and we’ll help you learn more about qualifying for SSDI.
- Free case evaluation
- Assist with denied claims
- Ensure you have all documents
- Make the process easy for you
“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.
“I was very pleased and impressed by the advocate. I feel that my chances of receiving my disability benefits are more likely to come in a timely manner.”
Danny C.
Fill in the form below and let us know how we can help you!
"*" indicates required fields
“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.”
Patrice I.
