How to Secure SSDI for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can be debilitating and prevent you from working. If your condition is severe, you might qualify for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. To receive SSDI, you’ll need to show that your condition is expected to last 12 or more months and is so severe that you’re unable to perform any work. You also must have sufficient work history. Scroll down to learn more about the process of securing SSDI for rheumatoid arthritis.

When Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Qualify for SSDI?

There are two ways to qualify for SSDI with rheumatoid arthritis. The first is to meet the criteria found in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) Blue Book Listing of Impairments. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an inflammatory arthritis, and the criteria for qualifying for SSDI with this condition are found in Listing 14.09.

To meet the listing criteria, your condition must involve one of the following:

• Persistent inflammation or deformity of a major joint in the lower extremities that a) requires you to use a walker, canes, crutches, or a wheelchair, or b) inflammation or deformity of a major joint in one upper extremity that prevents you from performing work with that arm or requires you to use an assistive device, or c) documentation of deformity or inflammation in major joints in both arms that prevents you from working.
• Persistent inflammation or deformity in at least one major joint of an extremity combined with impairments to two or more body systems or organs, and causes at least two of the following: fatigue, fever, weight loss, or malaise.
• Ankylosing spondylitis of the lower or upper spine that is shown to be at 45 degrees or at 30 degrees with involvement of two or more body systems or organs.
• Repeated incidents of inflammation that involve two of the following: fever, malaise, fatigue, or weight loss, and that cause a marked limitation in one of the following: a) activities of daily living, b) social functioning, or c) timely task completion.

What If Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Doesn’t Meet the Listing Criteria?

If your condition doesn’t meet the listing criteria, you might still qualify for SSDI for rheumatoid arthritis by showing that your symptoms are severe enough that you can’t perform any substantial gainful activity. The SSA will complete a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment to determine how much you can do and whether there is any type of work you can perform given your limitations. You’ll need to submit evidence to support your claim, such as the following:

• Medical records from your doctors
• Imaging tests
• Laboratory tests
• Blood work
• Statement from your doctor about how your condition affects your ability to perform work or the activities of daily living
• Statement from your former employer about how your rheumatoid arthritis affects you
• Physical therapy assessment
• Occupational therapy assessment

Work History Requirements

You must meet the SSA’s work history requirements to qualify for SSDI. In general, you must have earned 40 work credits, with 20 earned during the 10 years preceding your application. You earn a maximum of four credits per year through payroll deductions paid to Social Security. If you are younger, you might qualify with fewer work credits as follows:

• Age 31 or older: Have earned 20 work credits in the past 10 years
• Age 24 to 31: Have earned 4 work credits per year for half of the time between age 21 and when you became disabled
• Under age 24: Have earned 6 work credits in the three years before you became disabled

If you haven’t earned enough work credits but your condition otherwise qualifies, you might instead apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Talk to Our Disability Attorneys

Getting SSDI for rheumatoid arthritis can be complicated. You’ll increase your chances of being approved if you work with an experienced Social Security disability lawyer. At Ellis & Associates, our attorneys provide free consultations and can help you understand whether you might qualify. We can help you gather the evidence you need to support your claim and represent you on appeal if your claim is denied. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today by calling 800-MR-ELLIS or sending us a message online.