Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, millions of people have struggled with lingering symptoms long after their initial recovery. This condition, known as Long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), can leave individuals unable to work for months—or even years. As a result, many are turning to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for financial relief.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to qualify for SSDI with Long COVID, the challenges claimants may face, and how to build a strong case. If you or a loved one is dealing with Long COVID, understanding the SSDI process can help you get the benefits you need.
What Is Long COVID?
Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even years after the initial COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can significantly impair a person’s ability to function in daily life or perform work-related tasks. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Cognitive Impairments (“Brain Fog”): Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or confusion.
- Shortness of Breath: Ongoing respiratory problems even after the infection clears.
- Chest Pain and Heart Palpitations: Symptoms that can affect physical activity and exertion.
- Joint and Muscle Pain: Chronic pain or stiffness that can make physical tasks difficult.
Example:
A teacher who contracted COVID-19 may continue to experience severe fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory problems long after the infection. These symptoms prevent them from maintaining the focus, stamina, and energy required to manage a classroom, thus impacting their ability to return to work.
How to Qualify for SSDI with Long COVID
Qualifying for SSDI requires that your condition meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of a disability. To be eligible, you must:
- Have a condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2024, the SGA threshold is $1,470 per month. If you are earning more than this amount, you likely will not qualify for SSDI.
- Show that your condition has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months. Long COVID can be unpredictable, but if your symptoms have persisted for a year or more, you may meet this criterion.
- Have enough work credits. Generally, you need 40 work credits (with 20 earned in the last 10 years) to qualify, though younger workers may need fewer credits.
Example:
A healthcare worker who contracted COVID-19 in 2020 and has been unable to return to work since may have accumulated enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. If their symptoms have persisted beyond 12 months, they could be eligible for benefits.
What Medical Evidence Do You Need?
When applying for SSDI with Long COVID, medical evidence is critical. Because the symptoms of Long COVID can vary widely and affect multiple systems in the body, it’s important to provide comprehensive documentation that outlines how the condition affects your ability to work.
Key Medical Evidence for Long COVID SSDI Claims:
- Doctor’s Reports: Detailed evaluations from your primary care physician, specialists, and any other healthcare providers treating your Long COVID symptoms.
- Lab Tests and Imaging: While there’s no specific test for Long COVID, results that show lingering effects on your lungs, heart, or other organs can support your claim.
- Symptom Tracking: Keeping a daily journal of your symptoms, their severity, and how they impact your daily activities can provide additional support.
- Mental Health Records: If you experience cognitive or mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, or brain fog, be sure to include records from therapists or psychiatrists.
Example:
A claimant with Long COVID may have medical records from their pulmonologist detailing ongoing shortness of breath, chest X-rays showing lung damage, and notes from their neurologist on cognitive impairments. These pieces of evidence collectively demonstrate the disabling nature of their condition.
The Challenges of Proving Long COVID as a Disability
One of the biggest challenges for Long COVID claimants is that the SSA has not yet created a specific listing for the condition in its Blue Book of qualifying impairments. This means you must show that your symptoms are severe enough to qualify under existing conditions or demonstrate that you are unable to perform any type of work due to your symptoms.
Tips for Strengthening Your SSDI Claim for Long COVID:
- Link Your Symptoms to a Listed Condition: If your Long COVID symptoms align with an existing impairment in the SSA’s Blue Book—such as chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory issues, or cardiovascular impairments—you may be able to qualify under those listings.
- Provide Detailed Descriptions of Functional Limitations: Explain how Long COVID limits your ability to perform specific work tasks, such as lifting objects, concentrating for extended periods, or standing for long shifts.
- Show the Long-Term Nature of Your Condition: Many people recover from COVID-19 after a few weeks, so the SSA may question whether your symptoms are truly long-term. Medical records documenting ongoing treatment and lack of improvement over time are essential.
Example:
A claimant who experiences debilitating fatigue and cognitive impairments due to Long COVID might qualify under the listing for chronic fatigue syndrome or neurocognitive disorders if their symptoms match those criteria.
Changes to SSDI for Long COVID in 2024 and Beyond
As awareness of Long COVID grows, the SSA may update its policies to better address this condition. Some key changes or considerations for 2024 and beyond include:
- Increased Awareness Among Medical Providers: Doctors and specialists are becoming more familiar with Long COVID, which means more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans that can support your SSDI claim.
- Potential Blue Book Updates: It’s possible that the SSA will eventually create a specific listing for Long COVID or adjust existing listings to better accommodate the condition.
- Greater Emphasis on Functional Limitations: The SSA may place more weight on functional capacity evaluations, which assess your ability to perform basic work tasks, regardless of your diagnosis.
What to Do If Your SSDI Claim for Long COVID Is Denied
If your initial application for SSDI is denied, don’t panic. Many claims—especially those for new or evolving conditions like Long COVID—are denied on the first try. The key is to appeal the decision and provide additional evidence to strengthen your case.
- File a Request for Reconsideration: This is the first step in the appeals process. You can submit more medical records, updated test results, or letters from your healthcare providers to support your claim.
- Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration is denied, the next step is a hearing before an ALJ, where you can present your case and provide testimony about how Long COVID affects your daily life.
Example:
A claimant who was denied SSDI for Long COVID may request reconsideration and submit additional documentation from their doctor showing that their symptoms have worsened over time, preventing them from returning to their previous job.
We Can Help You Get the Benefits You Deserve
If Long COVID has left you unable to work, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits. However, proving your case can be challenging without the right evidence and guidance. At Disability Law Group, we understand the complexities of Long COVID and how it affects your ability to earn a living.
Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you build a strong case and fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the SSDI application or appeals process.
