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A medical concern that causes a disabling skin condition might mean you cannot perform typical daily tasks or start or keep a job. Financial stress and concerns about affording health care can make an already stressful situation even more difficult. By applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you might be able to get the health care and financial support you need to cope with your current skin disorder.
You may qualify for SSD benefits if your condition meets the following definition of disability:
- It is expected to persist for at least a year.
- It is expected to result in your demise.
If you meet this basic definition of disability, applying for benefits might be a daunting process involving an overwhelming amount of paperwork and multiple appeals if your first application is rejected. A disability lawyer might be able to help you through the application process and submit a complete application or successful appeal.
Skin Conditions That Might Qualify for Disability Benefits
The skin that covers your body consists of three layers–the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, according to Mayo Clinic. Because healthy skin is an important part of your overall health, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers the following skin conditions potentially disabling:
- Dermatitis
- Skin lesions
- Severe burns
- Bullous disease
- Chronic infections
- Genetic photosensitivity
If you suffer from a skin condition included or not included on this list, you may qualify for disability benefits. Receiving benefits is not guaranteed simply because your current condition is on the SSDI list of disabling conditions. You are also required to establish the degree of impairment caused by your condition.
Define Your Degree of Impairment
To help SSA officials evaluate your condition, you might be required to submit documentation, including medical records, dermatology test results, proof of exposure to toxins or other hazardous substances, and biopsy results. Your condition is gauged and evaluated based on your:
- Extent of lesions
- Treatment responses
- Severity of symptoms
- Regularity of flare-ups
- Frequency of treatment
- Pain levels and recurrences
You might also be evaluated based on your treatment plan, prognosis, and any additional factors that help define the extent of your current condition.
Choose the Right Program to Apply For
Proving your potential right to disability benefits is only one part of the disability benefits process. You also must know which programs are right for you. You can determine this by reviewing an overview of programs for disability on the SSA’s website. Whether you are submitting an initial application or filing an appeal, SSD benefits might be awarded in one of three ways:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are awarded to disabled workers. If your disability is severe enough to keep you from working, and you previously worked long enough, recently enough, and paid Social Security Disability Insurance, your current disability might mean you qualify for this program.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are awarded to disabled individuals who can demonstrate their financial need and lack of available resources.
- Some disabled individuals might qualify for concurrent benefits from SSDI and SSI programs.
If you qualify for both programs, your lawyer may help you determine the medical and financial benefits you might receive. Your lawyer may also help you determine how a return to work might affect any concurrent benefits you receive.
Understand the Benefits You May Receive
When your application has passed the SSD benefits approval process, the benefits you receive may depend on which program you qualify for and whether you are entitled to concurrent benefits.
The monetary amount you may expect to receive each month is calculated differently based on the program or programs you qualify for and any other benefits or supplements you might receive.
You may also receive medical benefits to fully or partially cover the inpatient and outpatient health care costs your condition creates. Disability benefits might also cover the costs of required medications, deductibles, and copayments. Your lawyer may help you explore the available programs and ensure you submit a complete application.
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Apply for Disability Benefits Today
If you have a skin condition that makes ordinary daily activity difficult, it might also prevent you from maintaining gainful employment. SSD benefits may help you get medical and financial support relief. When you are ready to apply for these benefits, you do not have to do so on your own.
A disability lawyer can help you find your disability on the Social Security Disability’s Listing of Impairments and prove that the severity of your skin disorder qualifies you to receive disability benefits.
Contact the client intake team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, by calling (828) 286-3866 to get started with your application today.
