Applying for Social Security Disability with Hemophilia

By Ram Meyyappan, Social Security Disability Help Desk        
ram@ssd-help.org

In rare situations a person living with hemophilia may meet the criteria for SSDI based on the severity of their condition which may prevent them from maintaining gainful employment. A lack of income combined with mounting medical expenses can lead to severe financial distress. Fortunately, in some cases, Social Security Disability benefits can help alleviate some of the financial strain caused by your medical condition.

Financial Eligibility for Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration operates two different Social Security programs including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program has its own qualifying criteria.

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you must have earned enough work credits through your prior work history. In order to qualify for SSDI, you will need to have accumulated sufficient work credits. The number of work credits that are required depends on how old you are. For more information on work credit requirements, visit: https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/ssdi/qualify-for-ssdi

If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, you may be able to qualify for SSI benefits. You do not need any work credits to qualify for SSI benefits. You must, however, meet certain household income and asset criteria. Your household assets must also not exceed $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 as a couple.

Medical Eligibility for Disability Benefits with Hemophilia

In addition to meeting the technical requirements for the above-mentioned programs, you must also meet the SSA's definition of a disabled individual. When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the SSA will compare your condition to a listing of conditions known as the Blue Book. The Blue Book contains all of the conditions that may qualify an individual for disability benefits along with the criteria that must be met to be approved under each condition.

Hemophilia is covered under Section 7.08 of the Blue Book, which covers coagulation disorders. According to this section of the Blue Book, in order to qualify for disability benefits from the SSA you must be able to prove that:

• You suffer from a coagulation defect that results in spontaneous hemorrhage which requires transfusion; and
   
• The hemorrhaging has occurred at least three times during the five months prior to adjudication.

When applying for benefits due to hemophilia, you will need to include medical evidence that supports that your claim meets the above-mentioned criteria.

For more information on qualifying with a coagulation defect such as haemophilia, visit: https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/coagulation-defects-and-social-security-disability

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online (https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/) or in person at your local Social Security office. When applying for benefits, you will be asked to fill out a number of forms and provide medical evidence to support your claim. Be sure to include comprehensive copies of your medical records and that you fill out each required form in its entirety with detailed and accurate answers. You will receive a decision regarding your claim within three to six months of the date of your initial application.

Don’t be surprised if your application is denied. More than 60% of initial applications are denied. There is an extensive appeals process that you can go through if your application is denied. You should also strongly consider hiring a disability attorney or advocate to help you with the appeals process.