Chronic health conditions, including fibromyalgia, affect thousands of people in Kansas and Missouri. The unique symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep issues, often make it impossible for those with the condition to work.
If you have fibromyalgia and have been unable to work, you may be eligible for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. These benefits can provide a much-needed financial cushion and support. An experienced attorney can provide more information about SSDI for fibromyalgia in Kansas City.
Those who have fibromyalgia may be eligible for several types of disability programs. SSDI is an insurance program that provides monthly wage replacement payments for those who are unable to work due to a medical condition or who are suffering a medical condition that will likely result in death. After two years of receiving SSDI payments, recipients can also receive Medicare.
Because SSDI is paid for through taxes on the incomes of working Americans, eligibility for benefits relies on whether the person has worked and paid into the system long enough to earn the necessary amount of work credits. Work credits are calculated based on income; a person can earn up to four credits a year. Most people are required to have 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, with 20 of those credits occurring in the last 10 years before their disability.
In addition to work credits, eligibility for SSDI for fibromyalgia in Kansas City also relies on the ability of the claimant to show that their medical condition has substantially impacted their ability to perform basic work tasks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) must receive documentation to establish the disability, such as medical records and treatment plans, vocational rehabilitation reports, short-term or long-term disability files, and medical leave documents, such as the FMLA.
Establishing a disability during the SSDI application process is challenging on your own. Applications are often denied for reasons as simple as not properly completing the application. Having a lawyer on your side to assist you in filling out your application and gathering the documentation needed to establish your condition is vital. Your attorney could also communicate with the SSA as your application has been considered.
If you have applied for SSDI for fibromyalgia in Kansas City and have been denied, the SSA offers several opportunities to appeal the decision. These include an administrative law hearing, a review from the Appeals Council, or even a lawsuit in federal court. A disability lawyer could represent your case through all of these layers of appeal.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia can take away your ability to support yourself and your family financially. The legal team at BurnettDriskill could evaluate the unique aspects of your situation and help you understand if you qualify for SSDI.
We may also be able to provide services to assist you with your application and recommend other disability programs that can help you. We have many years of experience advocating for those who need assistance applying for disability benefits. Contact us for your free case evaluation today.