Social Security Disability for HIV/AIDS in Detroit
If you’re unable to work because of complications from HIV/AIDS, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. The monthly checks could keep you financially afloat.
It’s important to understand, however, that a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS is not enough, by itself, to qualify you for benefits.
Your condition must be severe enough that you’re unable to work in any job you’re qualified for based on your training and experience.
Most people get denied when they first apply and need to appeal to win benefits.
An experienced Social Security disability attorney can help you present your situation in a way that gives you the best chance.
What would you like to do?
How You Qualify for Disability with HIV/AIDS
Generally, if you’re applying for Social Security disability benefits for HIV/AIDS, you must be able to show that you have one or more serious conditions resulting from your diagnosis. Some examples include:
- Viral infections— such as herpes, herpes simplex virus, shingles, or a progressive brain inflammation called PML
- Bacterial infections— including tuberculosis or leprosy; recurrent diarrhea from salmonella; nocardiosis; or multiple, recurring infections that have led to repeated hospital stays
- Protozoan infections
- Malignant neoplasms
- Cardiomyopathy
- Nephropathy
- Hematologic conditions
- Fungal infections
- Skin or mucous membrane conditions
- Neurological conditions
- HIV wasting syndrome
- Cancer
HIV and AIDS affect different people in different ways. Your condition might still allow you to work. Or it could prohibit you from working altogether.
In addition to checking your readiness for work, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate whether your HIV/AIDS diagnosis, treatment and side effects have led to a decrease in your ability to do other normal, daily activities.
This includes your ability to handle everyday household chores, interact socially in the same way you did before becoming ill, take care of financial matters and complete common tasks.
When you apply for HIV/AIDS disability benefits, the SSA will evaluate your application based on medical information you provide and information you authorize your doctors and other providers to share with the SSA to help them evaluate your claim.
Getting Help with Your Disability Claim
Applying for Social Security disability benefits for any condition is a complicated undertaking.
In addition to providing detailed answers on a comprehensive initial questionnaire, you also must complete follow-up questionnaires and provide additional information. If you’re not familiar with the application process, it can quickly become overwhelming.
When people apply for benefits on their own, they have a natural tendency to emphasize the “good days.” If you lose your ability to be objective about how your illness is affecting you, it can paint a more positive picture than is actually the case.
If you choose professional representation to handle your claim, you not only have someone else handling the details for you, but you can avoid that bias toward making things sound better than they are.
Statistically, people with representation are much more likely to succeed in receiving benefits for their disability claims. This can go a long way toward easing the financial strain that comes from not being able to work, letting you focus on your health.
At Levine Benjamin Law Firm, we understand both Social Security disability and HIV/AIDS. We’ve helped more than 80,000 people successfully win benefits since 1964.
If you’re unable to work because of complications from HIV/AIDS and would like to apply for Social Security disability benefits—or if you’ve already applied but your initial request was denied—contact a knowledgeable Social Security Disability attorney at Levine Benjamin today for a free evaluation of your case.
From applying to appealing, we help you every step of the way.