Arthritis and disability: What to know – Medical News Today

Arthritis is the term for a group of painful conditions that affect the body’s joints. For many people with arthritis, the condition can be debilitating.

Symptoms vary in severity depending on the type of arthritis and the time that elapses between when a person begins to develop the condition and begins treatment. Arthritis pain, stiffness, and joint damage may keep a person from performing daily tasks and holding a job. Some people with arthritis may qualify for disability benefits.

This article looks at arthritis and the various levels of disability that may happen to people living with the condition. It then discusses when a person with arthritis may qualify for disability benefits, and how to apply for them. Finally, the article looks at types of arthritis, along with symptoms and causes.

Arthritis can cause varying levels of disability in different people. For instance, some people may experience mild pain that goes away with the help of over-the-counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

However, severe arthritis may involve progressive joint damage and require medical interventions. Prescription treatments may not reverse existing damage or take away all symptoms. In some cases, arthritis may result in the loss of joint function and a drastically reduced range of mobility.

Some people may qualify for disability support if they cannot get or keep work because of arthritis pain and other symptoms. A person must have a doctor’s report showing that they have an arthritis-related disability before applying for government benefits.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires workplaces with 15 or more employees to provide accommodations for people with a disability. For a person working in the company, such work-related changes may include:

• modifying work hours
• allowing time off
• ensuring the work environment is accessible and allows a person to perform their tasks comfortably

Two programs administered through the Social Security Administration may provide support for a person with disabilities.

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a government program for people who have previously worked and have a sufficient amount of work credits with Social Security.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program for low-income people over 65 years old who have insufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI.

There may be a 5-month waiting period before a person diagnosed with a qualifying disability can get SSDI payments.

Medicare

If a person gets SSDI payments and is less than 65 years old, they may qualify for Medicare after getting SSDI benefits for a minimum of 24 months. The government will then enroll them automatically in Medicare Part A and Part …….

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-arthritis-a-disability