Suffering from debilitating effects of diabetes makes your life a challenge. Your daily life consists of the pain, accommodations and maintenance requirements of your condition. In addition, you may worry that you can’t adequately provide for yourself or your family anymore. This could lead to depression, anger and other negative consequences, even though the situation may be out of your control.
If you can’t work because of your diabetes, your friends and family may be telling you to apply for benefits from the Social Security Administration but can’t provide you any additional information. You may have heard that the SSA provides benefits but need further information regarding what you may qualify for based on your disability, income and resources.
What types of benefits does the SSA provide?
The SSA provides two types of benefits depending on the circumstances:
- Supplemental Security Income: If you have limited resources and income, you could receive an assistance check each month. You may also make use of Medicaid for your health care needs.
- Social Security Disability: If you spent at least five of the last 10 years working, you may qualify under this insurance program. You may receive help as you struggle to get back to work. If you do not recover enough to return to work, you may receive ongoing assistance. Medicare and a prescription drug program could help with your medical needs.
Of course, your condition must qualify you for either type of assistance. Furthermore, you don’t have to receive a diagnosis of permanent disability to qualify.
How do I know if my condition qualifies?
Diabetes alone may not qualify you for benefits. However, the related maladies that can accompany it may meet the SSA’s definition of disabled. The loss of your vision, the presence of nerve damage or if you suffer from fainting spells, among other things, may cause you to meet the definition. If you simply suffer from a variety of health problems that prevent you from rejoining the workforce anytime soon, the SSA will take that information, along with other relevant information into consideration.
The key to qualifying for SSDI or SSI lies in the evidence you provide regarding your condition. Knowing what the agency needs and properly filling out the application often make the difference between receiving benefits and receiving a denial.
You can get help
Many Missouri residents find the application process frustrating and stressful, which in some cases could only worsen your condition. The government denies many initial applications for SSDI and SSI due to insufficient evidence or errors in the application itself. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the process alone.
An attorney who regularly works with people such as you could prove invaluable. He or she could guide you through the application process and advocate for you when necessary.
