Can I Get Social Security Disability for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to chronic pain and, for many, the loss of mobility. In fact, in the U.S., of the more than 50 million people who have arthritis, 10% experience debilitating arthritis that limits their activity. As a result, many suffering from arthritis find they cannot perform their job duties. If you find your rheumatoid arthritis is keeping you from working, you could be eligible to receive social security disability insurance (SSDI).

Arthritis is in the top 10 conditions related to disability claims in America and the cause of $303.5 billion in lost earnings annually. If the pain of your arthritis limits your ability to work, you might wonder, can I get social security disability for rheumatoid arthritis?

Here we look at arthritis symptoms, how symptoms contribute to disability, and who does and doesn’t qualify based on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) RA disability criteria. We also provide tips to help increase your chances of being awarded benefits with your initial application.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA?

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an auto-immune disease targeting the joints. Although the body’s immune system is designed to protect against disease, RA causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. This results in inflammation of the joints causing swelling, pain, and eventually loss of joint function. Typical damage affects the joint lining called the synovium and the tissue covering the ends of the bone in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, shoulders, knees, spine, or jaw.

Symptoms of RA

Along with pain, RA can also cause the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Occasional fevers
• Loss of appetite.

In some cases, RA can also impact other parts of the body, including:

• Heart
• Lungs
• Blood
• Nerves
• Eyes
• Skin

For most, seeking diagnosis and treatment allows them to maintain normal activity levels and lead productive lives. However, if the muscles, tendons, and ligaments required to support and stabilize the joints weaken, increasing pain and joint damage make it difficult for joints to function. As a result, you are unable to work.

If I Have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Am I Disabled?

Although treatment is available for RA, the typical joint swelling of the disease can interfere with daily activities. For example, if you can’t make a fist or bend at the knees it is impossible to perform many work duties such as holding tools, using a computer, lifting, etc. In addition, severe pain and issues such as fatigue can also interfere with your ability to work. As a result, the SSA could find your rheumatoid arthritis is a disability if you cannot perform your daily duties and responsibilities.

Social Security disability rheumatoid arthritis criteria

Disability for RA requires applicants to prove not just that they can’t perform the duties of their current job but also that they can’t perform the following:

• The duties of your past jobs
• The duties you are qualified to perform
• The duties you can be trained to perform

If you meet these criteria, social security considers your condition a disability.

Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Qualify for Disability?

Although those with RA can qualify for disability, just being diagnosed with arthritis does not mean you automatically meet the requirements for eligibility. This is because the SSA uses a complicated process to determine eligibility based on medical and non-medical criteria.

Can I get SSI for arthritis?

Yes. However, to qualify for SSI, you need to be either 65 or older OR totally or partially blind AND meet the following SSA criteria:

• Your RA impacts your ability to work and is expected to last one year or result in death
• You meet the income criteria for SSI eligibility

Can you get social security disability for arthritis?

Yes. SSDI is available to those with an established work history. However, along with your medical evidence proving the severity of your symptoms keeps you from working, you have to meet the non-medical criteria. For SSDI, applicants can earn no more than $1,470 gross or more a month from work ($2,460 if they are blind) to qualify.

Can You Get Disability For Severe Arthritis?

Yes, however, it depends on the severity and type of arthritis. If you meet the non-medical criteria, the SSA also considers detailed medical factors such as what joints are affected. For example, when your hips or knees are impacted, you are more likely to qualify because these joints are considered “major” by the SSA. The onus is always on you to prove you can’t perform the daily activities required for your current and past jobs or skills you can develop through past or new training.

How to Get Disability For Rheumatoid Arthritis?

You can apply for SSDI online, at the local SSA office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you meet the non-medical criteria, the SSA determines is rheumatoid arthritis considered a disability based on the severity of your symptoms. To improve your chances of receiving benefits, you need to include the following with your application:

• Complete and through medical records
• Proof of diagnosis of RA
• X-rays and other medical imaging
• Recommended treatments and results of the treatment
• Proof your RA keeps you from performing the duties required to work

You will likely have to complete an Activities of Daily Living and Vocational Questionnaire for the SSA and undergo a Consultative Examination (CE) with an SSA doctor. At Princeton Disability, our disability advocates submit our own questionnaires with your application to reduce the need for other exams and forms.

Past Work

If your evidence is deemed credible, The SSA performs a past work review using a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to assess your symptoms and their impact on your ability to perform current work and the work you performed in the past 15 years. If they find you cannot perform these duties, the SSA looks into your potential to learn new skills.

Other Work

Using your RFC and other vocational factors such as your education, work experience, and age,  the SSA determines if you can perform new job roles. This is the final step to determine if you can get disability for arthritis.

How Much Disability Will I Get For Arthritis?

Your monthly SSDI benefits are based on your lifetime average earnings. Although the maximum monthly payment for SSDI is about $3,627 per month, the average is closer to $1,358.

Is Arthritis a Disability Under Social Security?

Yes, however, proving eligibility is challenging. Before applying for social security disability benefits, call the disability advocates at Princeton Disability. We will make sure you avoid delays, receive approval and get the benefits you deserve. If your claim has been denied, you have a right to file an appeal. Reach out to us today.