A chronic kidney disease diagnosis can seemingly come out of nowhere. Patients often don’t know they have it until they experience kidney failure or kidney impairment shows up in routine blood work. Medical treatments can slow disease progression, but there is no known cure for chronic kidney conditions. Eventually, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may prevent you from working. The good news is that Social Security Disability benefits might help you pay the bills.
Can I Receive Disability and Chronic Kidney Disease Social Security Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers applications based on the qualifications listed in their Blue Book Listing of Impairments. If you have a genitourinary disorder that leads to chronic kidney disease, you may qualify for Social Security Disability.
What Conditions Are On the Kidney Disease List of Complications?
Social Security awards Disability benefits for the following conditions:
- Chronic kidney disease with chronic peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis qualifies you for disability if you require treatments for at least a year.
- Chronic kidney disease with kidney transplant qualifies as a disability for a full year after surgery. After that, the SSA reevaluates your condition.
- Chronic kidney disease with impaired kidney function requires medical records with proven lab results. You must also have anorexia with weight loss, fluid overload syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, or renal osteodystrophy.
- Nephrotic syndrome may qualify for disability payments with documented lab findings.
- Chronic kidney disease complications that severely interfere with your daily life can also qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits.
If you apply for benefits under any of these complications, your medical records must show that you meet their very specific guidelines.
I Have a Different Cause of Kidney Failure; Can I Get Disability Benefits?
If your disease doesn’t fall under any of these specific disorders, don’t fret. The SSA also grants disability benefits under the following conditions:
- You meet the eligibility under a different listing in the Blue Book
- Your condition is equally severe to another qualified listing
- You are unable to sustain substantial gainful activity due to a reduced functional capacity
To be eligible for benefits, you only have to meet one of these conditions.
Do I Need a Disability Attorney for a Kidney Disease Social Security Application?
While it sounds like Disability benefit approval should be straightforward, the truth is that the SSA only approves one-quarter of the applications it receives. If you lack specific documentation, they may deny your claim, even if you meet the qualifications. You can appeal the decision within 60 days, but putting together the necessary evidence can be difficult, and each day that goes by is another delay for benefits.
The Social Security attorneys at Disability Help Group in Arizona can help you with your Social Security Disability Application, Social Security Disability Appeal, or Social Security Disability Hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). We know exactly what the SSA looks for and will assist you in gathering the proper medical records and documentation so you have a better chance of approval.
Disability Help Group in Arizona has offices in Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson. If you are unable to work due to chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, SSDI payments can make a huge difference in your family’s financial well-being. Contact our Disability advocates today by calling (888) 939-4692 or submit our online form to receive your free consultation. If we take your case, we don’t collect payment unless you win your claim.