Is rheumatoid arthritis a disability? Benefits and more – Medical News Today
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. The condition typically causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. However, it may also affect other areas of the body, including the cardiovascular system, kidneys…….
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. The condition typically causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. However, it may also affect other areas of the body, including the cardiovascular system, kidneys, skin, and eyes.
For some, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms can significantly affect their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. In these situations, the person may qualify for disability benefits.
This article discusses when RA is a disability, how to know if a person living with RA qualifies for benefits, and how to claim them. We also provide tips on how to manage the symptoms of RA.
RA is a progressive condition, meaning that it will worsen over time. The pace at which the disease progresses will depend on multiple factors, including:
- the person’s occupation
- the person’s weight and activity levels
- whether the person is taking medication to manage their arthritis
In a 2008 study of RA and work disability in the United States, 35% of people stopped working within 10 years of their initial RA diagnosis.
According to the Global Healthy Living Foundation, to qualify for disability benefits, a person would need to show that they are unable to work for a year or that working may result in death.
At what point does the government consider RA a disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers RA a disability if a person meets the following eligibility criteria:
- the person’s condition is so severe that they will need to be out of work for 12 months or more
- the person has gained enough work credits to qualify for disability benefits
The SSA calculates work credits based on the total amount a person earns each year. According to the SSA, in 2021, a person can receive one credit for every $1,470 of earned income for a maximum of four credits per year.
Though the amount needed per credit often increases each year, a person can accumulate credits at different points in their life. They will not disappear if a person stops working for several years.
Disability benefits, more commonly known as Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), are available for qualified individuals. To qualify, a person must have worked and paid into social security for a number of years.
The SSA outlines the number of years a person needs to have worked to qualify for SSDI. The number of years varies based on the age of the person. According to the SSA, people 31–42 years old need to have …….
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-rheumatoid-arthritis-a-disability
