Sickle cell disease is a medical condition that dramatically changes the life of anyone that contracts the disease. When your red blood cells diminish in number, your body does not get the oxygen it deserves.
The result is extreme fatigue that makes walking to and from the office bathroom a major chore. Sickle cell disease can also cause incredible pain when the condition deteriorates. Frequent infections, as well as the swelling of your hands and feet, make holding down a job difficult to do.
To help Americans that suffer from sickle cell disease, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers financial assistance in the form of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Applying for Financial Assistance
If you suffer from sickle cell disease, and the disease has negatively impacted your career, you might be eligible to receive financial assistance that is approved by the SSA. SSDI covers a significant percentage of the costs associated with diagnosing and treating sickle cell disease, as well as the expenses generated by completing a rehabilitation program.
The key is to convince the SSA that your sickle cell disease symptoms have diminished your work performance, which has led to you taking a leave from absence.
The SSA relies on the medical guide called the Blue Book to determine whether the agency approves or denies SSDI applications. Sickle cell disease lists under Section 7.05 of the Blue Book. You need to submit persuasive medical evidence with your SSDI application to boost your chances the SSA gives you the green light to receive financial assistance.
The SSA follows a strict set of criteria when evaluating SSDI applications. Because of the high financial stakes, you should work with an experienced Social Security disability lawyer to make the strongest possible case.
How Does Medicare Work with SSDI Benefits?
If you suffer from sickle cell disease and you qualify for Medicare healthcare insurance, should you opt for Medicare coverage or stick with SSDI benefits? The federal government has a say in your decision. According to federal law, any American receiving SSDI benefits when he or she reaches the age of 65 has to wait two years to become eligible for Medicare health insurance.
If you still receive SSDI benefits after the two-year waiting period for Medicare coverage, you should keep your SSDI benefits because the insurance covers more medical expenses than the medical expenses covered by Medicare.
The SSA Can Help You Get Back to Work
In addition to providing financial assistance to cover the costs associated with sickle cell disease, the SSA also manages two programs that help displaced workers return to the American workforce. Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) provides financial advice for sickle cell disease patients during the time it takes to reenter the workforce.
Ticket to Work focuses its resources on developing new vocational skills that help displaced employees find work in a job that accommodates any physical limitations
A Free Case Evaluation Strengthens Your SSDI Application
Working with a highly rated disability lawyer should not be considered an option. It should be the most important step you take to receive SSDI benefits. Your attorney will help you submit the type of evidence that convinces the SSA to approve your SSDI application.
Receiving a free case evaluation gives you lawyer an idea on how to bolster your case. If the SSA denies your application, your attorney can file an appeal to give your SSDI application a second chance.
