Charlotte Social Security Disability Blog

Receiving the diagnosis that you have an autoimmune disease can be frightening but also feel like a relief. You have likely traveled from doctor to doctor while they worked to determine what was causing your symptoms and to rule out the most serious issues, like cancer. However, hearing that you have lupus means you may be facing radial changes in your lifestyle.

Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus, is not often fatal, but it can be debilitating. This means you may reach a point when you are no longer able to perform your duties at work, which may introduce a new set of problems. Where will you get an income? How will you afford health insurance? Without these, how will you obtain the medical care you need? For many, the answer is disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.

Nothing in the federal government moves quickly -- and that's certainly true for the gigantic Social Security Administration (SSA), upon which so many Americans rely for a variety of benefits. However, people with certain medical conditions and situations who can qualify to get their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims fast-tracked.

It's important to understand that "fast-tracked" is a relative term. It can still take at least five months from the beginning of your disability to start receiving payments. Of course, the more complete and compelling the medical documentation you provide is, the easier it will be to get the benefits you need within this timeframe.

Many applicants diagnosed with a condition that falls on the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) "Listing of Medical Impairments" will generally qualify to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Individuals who've been diagnosed with other illnesses or impairments that aren't listed there may also be eligible for these benefits if they meet certain additional requirements.

Medical conditions that are listed on the SSA's Listing of Impairments are organized by bodily system. These injuries or illnesses include:

• Speech or sensory concerns including hearing or vision loss
• Immune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and lupus
• Blood disorders like hemophilia and sickle cell disease
• Digestive concerns such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver problems
• Mental health conditions including autism, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression
• Respiratory concerns such as cystic fibrosis and asthma
• Neurological disorders including cerebral palsy, epilepsy or Parkinson's disease
• Musculoskeletal problems including back, bone and joint problems
• Cardiovascular disease including chronic heart failure

If you're considering applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, it's essential to understand what factors affect your eligibility and the amount you're able to receive under the program's regulations.

These federal benefits are available to those who:

• Are at least 65 year old, blind or disabled
• Are a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Have limited income and resources