For as long as you have worked a job, you have made contributions to the Social Security program. Usually, older adults will make use of those contributions when they retire. Workers accrue credits based on how much taxable income they earn, and those credits make the workers eligible for Social Security benefits after retirement.
However, those same contributions that will later help supplement your retirement income can also protect you earlier in life if you have a medical issue. Individuals who get hurt unexpectedly or who develop severe medical conditions can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI protects those with long-term disabling medical conditions from financial hardship.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that often doesn’t respond well to treatment. If you have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, can you qualify for SSDI benefits?
Fibromyalgia is now a qualifying condition in some cases
The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a long list of qualifying conditions and also disorders or symptoms that would lead to someone getting benefits. The SSA reviews each application carefully to determine if the applicant actually meets the standard for permanent disability.
Fibromyalgia is one of the newer additions to that list of qualifying conditions, although there are strict limitations on claims related to fibromyalgia. You will need extensive documentation of your symptoms, as there will be a careful review. Your chronic pain and the other medical side effects of fibromyalgia have to prevent you from working any job for you to qualify for SSDI benefits.
A diagnosis alone is not enough
To get benefits, you have to convince the SSA that you can’t work because of your fibromyalgia symptoms, which may include pain, chronic headaches, insomnia, depression, fatigue and cognitive limitations. How do you validate the impact of painful fibromyalgia symptoms?
Medical testing can only go so far when it comes to quantifying the impact of chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Still, undergoing adequate testing and proper observation can result in official medical records that bolster your chances of success. Applicants seeking benefits for fibromyalgia may face an initial denial and could require an appeal to get the benefits they need.
Gathering medical documentation and learning more about the SSDI benefits application process can help you access crucial disability support.