What Qualifies a Person for SSI Disability?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program by the US federal government to provide a financial safety net for needy people. SSI targets low earners, people with disabilities, and the aged. When people become old and cannot work, or have an impairment that makes them unable to participate in gainful employment, social security programs come to their rescue.

SSI uses strict criteria to determine beneficiaries. Applicants have to demonstrate that they have the need and that their income levels and assets cannot sustain them. SSI beneficiaries receive monthly payments to cover basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Supplemental Security Income programs should not be confused for Social Security income benefits that target retired people and others with disabilities. Below are the disabilities that qualify one for SSI.

Diseases of the digestive system can cause a complete change in one’s lifestyle. Millions of Americans are afflicted by gut disorders, some of which are severe and can cause patients to abandon any gainful employment. The gastrointestinal tract (GI) encompasses the liver, pancreas, small and large intestines, esophagus, and stomach.

According to the SSA, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastrointestinal hemorrhaging, hepatitis, GERD, and colon cancer are some of the GI disorders. Inflammatory bowel disease includes two separate diseases that affect the digestive system, namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. For patients with ulcerative colitis, the disease affects the lower part of the colon and causes inflammation on the inner lining of the large intestine. 

In the digestive tract, Crohn’s disease can occur throughout the system and can cause inflammation that manifests itself throughout the bowel wall. Other digestive diseases that qualify as disability include leaky gut syndrome, ulcers, liver disease, glycogen storage disease, gastroparesis, cirrhosis, bowel incontinence, and primary biliary cirrhosis. Most patients with GI diseases suffer in silence because they avoid discussing their symptoms with others. Most of them also report avoidance of some activities which may include traveling, socializing, and working.

Congenital disorders are conditions that develop during intrauterine life. They are commonly known as birth defects and may be identified before, during, or after birth. Most congenital disorders can lead to disabilities that last a person’s entire lifetime. These birth disorders have a great impact on healthcare systems, families, societies, and individuals.

The SSA recognizes fragile X syndrome, phenylketonuria, chronic insomnia, caudal regression syndrome, and hereditary telangiectasia as some of the congenital disorders that qualify as a disability. Congenital disorders may be inherited or caused by the environment and they usually have a long-term effect on the patients. Affected persons may be unable to socially integrate with others, have low self-esteem, and may be unable to earn a living from working.

Some problems of the respiratory system are recognized as disabilities by the SSA. According to information from laportelawfirm.com/, some chronic respiratory problems can make it impossible for patients to engage in any gainful employment, and they may need to apply for SSI benefits. According to the World Health Organization, diseases of the respiratory system are the leading causes of death and disability across the globe. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is among the major culprits, with about 65 million people suffering from the disease. In addition to COPD, other life-threatening respiratory disorders that the SSA recognizes include chronic restrictive ventilatory disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, pneumoconiosis, emphysema, sarcoidosis, and chronic venous insufficiency.

Other disorders that the SSA recognizes as disabilities include asthma, bronchiectasis, lung transplant, mycobacterial, chronic persistent infections of the lungs, varicose veins, sleep apnea, and other sleep-related breathing disorders.

The cardiovascular system is a system of organs in the body that allow the circulation of blood and the transport of nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other substances to and from cells and organs. The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood, arteries, veins, and capillaries. According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases kill more people in the world more than any other cause. WHO also indicates that stroke and heart attack are the highest causes of death among cardiovascular diseases. Millions of Americans suffer from a myriad of cardiovascular diseases which can lead to permanent disability, loss of one or more bodily functions, and even death.

According to the SSA, heart valve disorder, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, sinus bradycardia, symptomatic congenital heart disease, Marfan syndrome, and blood clot are some of the cardiovascular diseases that qualify as a disability.

These are injuries or disorders that affect the functioning and movement of the human body targeting the musculoskeletal system. This system comprises organs such as ligaments, discs, blood vessels, muscles, and joints. Individuals with musculoskeletal disorders may experience joint noises, weakness, pain, stiffness and they may also face difficulties in motion. Inflammation may also occur on the joints and discs causing swelling and pain.

The SSA recognizes clubfoot, bone cancer, bursitis, amputation, back pain, fibromuscular dysplasia, bone spurs, herniated disc, knee replacement, reflex sympathetic disorder among other disorders. One may also apply for SSI benefits if they have diseases or disorders such as:

If you or a family member has disabilities recognized by the SSA, applying for SSI can help to improve the quality of life. It is advisable to contact a lawyer to guide you during the whole process.