Is SLE considered a disability?

If lupus symptoms occur repeatedly, the disease qualifies as a disability when it causes these limitations: Limitation of daily living activities. Limitation of social functioning. Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner because of problems with concentration, persistence, or pace.


What autoimmune qualifies for disability?

9 Immune System Disorders That Might Qualify for SSDI
  • #1. Lupus. ...
  • #2. Systemic Vasculitis. ...
  • #3. Systemic Sclerosis. ...
  • #4. Polymyositis. ...
  • #5. Undifferentiated and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. ...
  • #6. Immune Deficiency Disorders (except HIV) ...
  • #7. Inflammatory Arthritis. ...
  • #8. Sjogren's Syndrome.


What percentage of lupus patients are on disability?

A Lupus Foundation of America survey found 55 percent of lupus patients reported a complete or partial loss of their income because they no longer are able to work full time due to complications of lupus. One in three have been temporarily disabled by the disease, and one in four currently receive disability payments.


Does an autoimmune disease count as a disability?

Dozens of autoimmune diseases can seriously affect our ability to work and even prevent us from maintaining employment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes this fact and makes disability payments available to those who meet certain eligibility standards associated with their disorder.

How does lupus limit your ability to work?

The disease's severity can result in varying levels of damage to joints, blood, the heart, lungs, skin, and kidneys. Lupus can be debilitating, causing severe and frequent exhaustion, fever, low physical and mental capacity, involuntary weight loss, malaise, and severe joint aches that impact mobility.


Lupus Perspectives: Long-term Disability



Can I go on disability for lupus?

For Social Security's purposes, lupus qualifies as a disability when it meets these conditions: It involves two or more organs or body systems. It includes at least two major signs or symptoms, such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and involuntary weight loss.

Can I work full time with lupus?

Many people with lupus are able to continue to work, although they may need to make changes in their work environment. Flexible work hours, job-sharing, and telecommuting may help you to keep working. It may be helpful to begin to make such arrangements soon after you have been diagnosed with lupus.

What is the most approved disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.


Can you work with autoimmune disease?

Many people successfully continue to work for a long time with an autoimmune disease, but if you reach the point where you just can't keep it up, you also have a right to apply for Social Security Administration disability benefits.

Do you get sick more often if you have an autoimmune disease?

People with autoimmune disorders have been described as the population at the most risk of catching diseases. This is due to the way the different autoimmune disorders affect their immune system, and more importantly, to the immunosuppressant drugs used to treat most of these diseases.

How long does it take to get disability for lupus?

What to expect. It can take between three and five months to obtain an initial decision. Almost two out of three applicants are denied benefits initially, and most people who file a written appeal (called “reconsideration”) also are denied. The third level appeal before an administrative law judge is most successful.


What category of disability is lupus?

Social Security maintains a Listing of Impairments for each of the major body systems. Lupus is listed under Immune System Disorders in section 14.02.

Should I tell my employer I have lupus?

Legally, you are not required to tell your employer about lupus. If you are working and become too sick to continue working, you may be able to take advantage of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

What are the 7 autoimmune diseases?

Common autoimmune disorders include:
  • Addison disease.
  • Celiac disease - sprue (gluten-sensitive enteropathy)
  • Dermatomyositis.
  • Graves disease.
  • Hashimoto thyroiditis.
  • Multiple sclerosis.
  • Myasthenia gravis.
  • Pernicious anemia.


Is a weakened immune system a disability?

The ADAAA explicitly mentions major bodily functions, including the immune system, as examples of “one or more major life activities.” So, if your diagnosis or condition substantially limits the function of your immune system, legally, it is considered a disabilty and you are entitled to ADA and ADAAA protections.

How much does Social Security disability pay?

The monthly maximum Federal amounts for 2023 are $914 for an eligible individual, $1,371 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, and $458 for an essential person.

Can you get FMLA for lupus?

Lupus is a chronic serious health condition. When medically necessary, you may take time off. Each hour you take is subtracted from your FMLA entitlement. If you work a forty-hour-per-week schedule, your yearly entitlement of 12 weeks equals 480 hours.


How can I work full time with autoimmune disease?

Top 24 Workplace Accommodations for Individuals with Autoimmune Conditions
  1. Work from home.
  2. Allow for a flexible work and leave schedule.
  3. Allow periodic and/or longer breaks.
  4. Reduce job stress.
  5. Reduce or eliminate physical exertion.
  6. Provide parking close to the worksite.
  7. Switch to an ergonomic chair.


Why is it so hard to diagnose lupus?

Lupus can be hard to diagnose because it has many symptoms that are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases. Many people have lupus for a while before they find out they have it. If you have symptoms of lupus, tell your doctor right away. No single test can tell if a person has lupus.

What is the easiest disability to get?

The Top 5 Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability
  • Mental Health Conditions. Mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and somatic disorder are considered high-value claims. ...
  • Scars. ...
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions. ...
  • Presumptive Disorders. ...
  • Tinnitus.


What's the fastest you can get approved for disability?

Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.

How hard is it to get full disability?

Social Security disability applications face an overwhelming 70% denial rate upon initial evaluation. That is a huge number but it is based upon several very different factors, such as applying for a condition that does not meet the criteria or lack of proper medical documentation.

What jobs are good for people with lupus?

7 Most Popular Jobs for People With Lupus
  • Career Options That Balance Work and Health. Living with ongoing lupus symptoms can affect physical, mental and emotional health. ...
  • Freelance Writer. ...
  • Graphic Designer. ...
  • Bookkeeping. ...
  • Social Media Manager. ...
  • Pet Sitter. ...
  • Translator. ...
  • Customer Service Representative.


Can my job fire me for having lupus?

Your company can't legally fire you for having a medical condition.

What is the average lifespan of a lupus patient?

The prognosis of lupus is better today than ever before. With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span. It is true that medical science has not yet developed a method for curing lupus, and some people do die from the disease.