Can You Apply for SSDI for Long Covid?
If you’re one of the millions of people suffering from chronic Covid symptoms, otherwise known as long Covid, you know how debilitating and misunderstood this condition can be. Many “long haulers” have found even some doctors, friends, and family don’t take it seriously. So what can you do if it’s affected your ability to work?
If long Covid has impacted your daily life, you may be wondering if you can apply for SSDI (or Social Security Disability Insurance). Fortunately, you absolutely can.
Here’s what you need to know about applying for SSDI with long Covid.
What Types of Long Covid Symptoms Make You Eligible for SSDI?
Even though long Covid is always serious, not all long Covid symptoms are debilitating enough to qualify. Just like with any other disability, the SSDI needs to see proof your illness has impacted your ability to make a living.
If your symptoms affect normal life and work activities, you should absolutely consider applying. Some examples of long Covid symptoms that may interfere with your work include:
- Chronic breathing difficulties
- Extreme fatigue
- Inability to think or concentrate
- Severe joint or muscle pain
- and more
How to Apply for Disability If You Have Long Covid
In the case of long Covid, you apply for disability the same way you would any other health condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees the process.
Make sure to record all of your symptoms day by day, and get as much documentation from your doctors as possible. Long Covid is so new that many doctors may not understand how serious it can be. Find a doctor who will help you diagnose the problem and write down exactly how much it’s impacting your daily life.
Having all the right documentation will make applying for disability a much easier process. This is especially true for long Covid, which can be hard to prove because we still know so little about it.
What to Do If Your Long Covid SSDI Application Gets Denied
Unfortunately, even if you do everything right in your initial application, you may still be denied. In fact, the majority of disability applications are denied on the first try.
That’s when it’s time to bring in a lawyer for the appeal.
If you’re suffering from long Covid and applying for SSDI in Memphis, you need the right attorney by your side to appeal your case. Our SSDI lawyers can help you build a strong case for how Covid has impacted your work life.
What’s more, we don’t get paid unless we win, and even that is just a fraction of your past due payments—you keep all of your benefits moving forward.
You may also have other financial circumstances to consider. For example, if you contracted Covid because of your job— especially as a healthcare worker or government employee—you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. You may also have serious medical debt you can’t pay back or bills you can’t pay because of lost wages.
Our attorneys are experienced in all of these areas: disability, workers’ comp, and bankruptcy. We’ve helped thousands of people deal with these problems, and we can help you decide between all your options.
To start, give me a call at 901-327-2100 or contact me using the form below.
Get some answers on how to apply for disability with the best chance of success. The conversation is totally free.