How To Get Disability Benefits For Diabetes

Diabetes can be a serious, life-altering condition—but can it qualify you for Social Security disability benefits? The answer depends on how your symptoms affect your ability to work. While diabetes itself is not always considered a disabling condition by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the complications from diabetes can be severe enough to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

In this video, we’ll explain how to get approved for SSDI with diabetes, what medical evidence you need, and how Disability Advice can help strengthen your claim.

The SSA does not automatically consider diabetes a qualifying condition for SSDI. However, if your diabetes or its complications prevent you from working full-time, you may still be eligible for benefits.

You may qualify if you suffer from severe complications such as:

Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage that affects movement or sensation)

Diabetic retinopathy (severe vision impairment or blindness)

Kidney disease requiring dialysis

Cardiovascular issues related to diabetes

Frequent hospitalizations due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels

If these complications limit your ability to perform work-related activities, you may meet the SSA’s disability criteria.

To prove your case, you will need to provide thorough medical documentation, including:

Medical records from your endocrinologist or primary care doctor

Laboratory test results showing uncontrolled blood sugar levels

Reports of complications such as nerve damage, vision loss, or kidney disease

Prescription history for diabetes-related medications

Statements from your doctor explaining how diabetes affects your ability to work

In addition to medical evidence, daily impact statements from family members, caregivers, or former employers can further support your claim.

Many SSDI claims for diabetes are denied due to a lack of medical evidence or failure to prove how symptoms impact daily functioning. Disability Advice can guide you through the application process, ensuring your claim is complete and well-documented. We help applicants collect the right medical evidence, complete paperwork, and appeal denials if necessary.

If you need assistance with your SSDI claim, visit disabilityadvice.org to get started today.