There are many illnesses in the world, all with varying symptoms and degrees of severity. Though it can be difficult to live with and treat these medical conditions, their impact can be even more far-reaching. Some illnesses actually render individuals incapable of working. In turn, these individuals are unable to earn a wage, meaning that it can become difficult, if not impossible, to pay for housing, clothing, transportation, and even food. Yet, those who find themselves in this situation may be able to find relief by filing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits.
Every illness has its own requirements that must be met before benefits will be paid out. This week we will briefly look at cystic fibrosis. In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, a cystic fibrosis sufferer must provide proof of the illness in one of three ways. First, a sufferer could show that he or she has an FEV that is equal to or less than that provided in the Social Security Administration’s chart that measures adequate FEV based on height.
Second, an individual will qualify for benefits if he or she suffers bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, or hemoptysis on an episodic basis requiring the intervention of a physician. These episodes must occur at least six times a year with an occurrence taking place at least once every other month.
The last way for those with cystic fibrosis to qualify is to show that he or she suffers from constant pulmonary infection together bacterial infection, taking place once every six months. It is important for suffers to know that they will have to provide medical documentation and be able to show that their condition renders them incapable of working.
Source: Social Security Administration, “3.00 Respiratory System – Adult,” accessed on Oct. 19, 2015