Last year, we wrote a blog post about whether individuals diagnosed with Covid-19 qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Now that a year has passed and we know more about the long-term impacts of the disease, we wanted to update you on disability qualifications relating to Covid-19.
For the purposes of this blog post, we’re going to talk specifically about people who suffer long-term effects from Covid-19. This collection of side-effects is called “long-haul covid” for short.
What is Long-Haul Covid?
Some people infected by COVID-19 have debilitating symptoms many months later. These people never fully recover from the infection or may develop long-term symptoms as a result of the initial infection. Long-haul Covid symptoms are wide-ranging and may include:
- Chronic Fatigue
- Brain Fog/Memory Problems
- Depression
- Loss of Smell and Taste
- Heart Palpitations
- Long-Term Lung Damage
Some doctors estimate that up to 33% of their patients recovering from Covid-19 may suffer long-haul symptoms. In addition, some doctors observe that patients who were older and had other chronic conditions may take longer to recover and their symptoms may be more severe.
Long-Haul Covid-19 Symptoms and Disability
Since Covid-19 has been around for less than a year, we still don’t know whether people with long-haul Covid can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Some claimants are applying for disability benefits following a Covid-19 diagnosis. And, disability advocates are requesting that the Social Security Administration (SSA) issue specific Covid-19 guidelines for prospective claimants. The SSA does issue guidelines on certain conditions like headaches or fibromyalgia and will likely issue guidance in future on Covid-19.
Notwithstanding that guidance, there are three things in general that you need to get benefits.
- You need evidence that the disability affects your ability to work.
- You need a medical diagnosis.
- You need evidence that the disability has or will last for 12 consecutive months or longer.
No matter what medical condition you suffer from, you need solid medical basis for your claim. Disability benefits are allocated specifically to those whose medical conditions are so severe and long-lasting that they cannot perform work of any kind.
Even if you suffer from long-term Covid-19 symptoms, you will need to prove with solid medical evidence that you cannot perform ANY work of any kind. You’ll also need to prove that your condition won’t improve over time with treatment.
Get A Free Consultation On Your Covid-19 Claim
The best way to determine if you have a strong claim is to contact a disability lawyer. We offer free consultations on claims and would be happy to help. There’s no obligation to hire the firm. Contact us today to learn more.
