Approximately 1.1 million Americans live with HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2018, there were about 6,000 AIDS-related deaths in the U.S. As the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues, many individuals find themselves unable to work due to necessary treatment. The Social Security Administration offers disability benefits to those who meet certain qualifications. A Mobile disability attorney can explore options with you and help you apply for monthly payments.
The first thing to remember is that just having HIV or AIDS is not enough to qualify someone for benefits. The condition must be serious enough that it prevents the applicant from maintaining gainful employment. Many patients who undergo treatment for this disease experience debilitating side effects. Among them are nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and anemia. These along with necessary treatments make it difficult if not impossible to work. If HIV/AIDS complications disrupt your ability to work, it’s time to call a Mobile disability attorney.
To qualify for Social Security disability payments, you have to first show that you were diagnosed by a physician. Next, the applicant must demonstrate that he or she suffers from at least one of the following:
- Bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections
- Advanced or terminal cancer
- Fluid collecting on the brain or brain swelling that disrupts your ability to think or move effectively
- Severe weight loss (HIV-wasting syndrome)
- Chronic diarrhea requiring you to have IV fluids and other treatments
- Infections (sinusitis, encephalitis, sepsis, pneumonia, etc) that require hospitalization, IV, or which are resistant to treatment
These requirements are highly technical in nature, and you need someone who understands Social Security’s complex rules. An experienced Mobile, AL Social Security disability lawyer can assist with documenting your condition.
The above conditions affect every HIV/AIDS patient differently. Some individuals experience a decreased ability to work. Others are not able to work at all. The condition must be so bad that you cannot work any job for which your training and experience qualify you.
Social Security will also want to understand how your condition affects aspects of your life other than work. These generally include routine daily activities such as:
- Interaction with friends, family members, and others
- Ability to complete common daily tasks
- Whether you can handle everyday chores around the house
- Your ability to manage your own financial matters, such as paying bills
After submitting your information to Social Security, your records and other information will be reviewed to determine your eligibility. You may be able to receive short-term benefits payments for up to six months while your case is pending. A Mobile disability attorney can walk you through this process. The requirements are:
- You must not be working
- Your physician must certify that your condition meets Social Security’s medical eligibility criteria
- You must meet other criteria regarding income and resources
To improve your chances of receiving disability payments, be sure to keep detailed medical records. Also take notes about how your symptoms are affecting your ability work. See your healthcare provider regularly and follow all recommended treatments and medications. Keep in contact with your doctor and be transparent about your condition. You will need your doctor to support your application, so actively involve all medical professionals with whom you work.
If you are denied benefits, you may need the assistance of a Mobile, AL Social Security disability benefits lawyer. The appeals process is sometimes confusing and requires close attention to detail. Your claim may also be subject to certain time limitations and other restrictions. If you’ve been notified of a denial, act quickly to preserve your rights to compensation.
We Can Help With Your Disability Claim
At Ascend Disability Lawyers, LLC we understand the challenges that disabled Americans face. Our goal is to ensure that all disabled individuals get the assistance they need and deserve. The Social Security disability system is complicated and not all claimants will be approved. You deserve our unmatched experience. Give us a call today and let us help you.
