A person with type 2 diabetes may be able to claim two types of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI is for people with a work history, whereas SSI does not require a work history. However, for a person to qualify for these benefits, their symptoms must be serious and affect their long-term ability to work.
Regardless of the severity, people with type 2 diabetes are entitled to legal protection against discrimination on the basis of their condition.
In this article, we outline some potential complications of diabetes. We also provide information on how a person with type 2 diabetes may qualify for disability benefits, how to apply, and how to appeal a decision. Finally, we provide tips on how to talk with an employer about a disability.
There are different ways of defining disability. People may define it medically, based on a person’s symptoms, or socially, based on how able they are to do daily tasks.
There are also legal definitions of disability that determine who is eligible for certain legal protections and benefits.
With regards to disability rights, United States law typically includes diabetes as a disability, meaning people with this condition have protection from discrimination and are entitled to equal opportunities.
Diabetes impairs the function of the endocrine system, which is part of the body responsible for regulating blood sugar and insulin levels.
Even if this impairment does not cause severe symptoms, it is always present and affects what a person can or cannot do.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can also be disruptive, and may include:
- severe fatigue
- blurry vision
- numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet
- slow-healing wounds
- feeling very thirsty or hungry
If a person’s blood sugar levels remain high, they may develop complications, such as:
- vision loss
- hearing loss
- nerve damage, which may cause pain or numbness, or affect bodily functions
- chronic kidney disease
- cardiovascular disease
- treatment-resistant infections
- diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a medical emergency that can lead to its own complications
- hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome
- loss of limbs
- stroke
Any of the above may lead to changes in a person’s abilities.
Yes, diabetes is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act.
These laws define diabetes as a disability because this condition significantly limits the function of the endocrine system.
Because this impairment exists whether or not a person has external symptoms, anyone with diabetes is protected from disability discrimination in the U.S., even if they have no visible physical impairment.
The ADA also gives people with disabilities the right to reasonable accommodations that make it easier for them to continue working, access education, healthcare, or other services.
People with type 2 diabetes may qualify for disability benefits if their symptoms are severe and they can no longer work.
However, a person will only be eligible for disability payments if they can demonstrate disability that prevents them from undertaking most work. Medical experts must expect this to last at least 1 year.
A person’s condition must also appear on an official list of eligible conditions from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Type 2 diabetes is on this list, as are several diabetes complications, including:
- chronic hyperglycemia
- diabetic ketoacidosis
- hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
People can still earn money while claiming these benefits, but there is an earnings cap. People cannot earn above this cap and continue receiving disability benefits.
The benefits that may be available to people with type 2 diabetes include:
- SSDI: SSDI provides financial support for adults of any age who have worked for a qualifying period, which is usually 5 to 10 years, unless the person is under the age of 24. The benefit begins after 6 months of disability.
- SSI: SSI provides basic financial help to people of any age who have a disability and have a very limited income or resources. Some state programs may supplement SSI. The benefit begins 1 month after a person files the claim.
- Medicare and Medicaid: After 24 months of receiving SSDI, a person will qualify for Medicare health insurance. In most states, a person will automatically qualify for Medicaid when they start receiving SSI.
A person may be eligible for both SSDI and SSI if they have a work history and a limited income.
A person may also have health insurance through their work. Longer-term health insurance policies may pay for a few years or until the policy ends.
People can find the benefits available to them via the USA.gov website.
To apply for disability benefits, a person with type 2 diabetes must provide evidence of their diagnosis and symptoms from an acceptable medical source.
The evidence must be accurate and complete, and a person must submit the evidence in good time to assist claims processing.
The SSA will consider evidence from both medical and nonmedical sources when making an assessment for disability benefits.
A person can apply for disability benefits via:
- the SSA website
- a toll-free number
- a prearranged appointment at a local Social Security office
A person should have some information ready when applying for disability benefits, including:
- proof of age and Social Security number
- any medical records relating to the disability, including:
- test and laboratory results
- details of all medications, including dosages
- dates of any visits to a doctor’s office, hospital, or other medical facility
- details of all medical professionals or organizations that have provided treatment, including:
- doctors
- caseworkers
- clinics
- hospitals
- employment information, including the type of work a person did and where they worked
- the most recent W-2 form or a copy of a federal tax return, if self-employed
Documents should be original or certified copies from an issuing office. A person can mail the documents or take them to an SSA office for staff to make photocopies and return the originals.
A person who is turned down for disability benefits can appeal against the decision. People can appeal online or by phone within a limited period. The original response letter will provide the necessary information on how to make an appeal.
When making an appeal, a person may need to provide further information on their medical condition and any additional tests or treatments they have received since the initial decision was made.
Deciding whether to disclose a disability to an employer is a personal choice. Some people prefer to keep it private, while others may need to want to discuss it.
According to Equip for Equality, employees are not legally obligated to disclose their disability to employers, either while on the job or when applying.
However, they may decide to if:
- they require accommodations to help them, such as flexible hours
- they want to know if an employer welcomes people with disabilities
- the experience of having a disability could be an asset to the job
- they are aware that the employer has affirmative action policies
If a person does decide to disclose their diabetes to an employer, they should:
- Know their rights: It can help to have a basic understanding of disability rights so that a person knows what they do and do not need to disclose, and when.
- Set a meeting: Speak privately with a manager or human resources. If the person already works there, it may help to have a union representative or witness present.
- Be prepared: Some may find it helpful to write down any important points the person wants to discuss. They can also think of questions that may come up during the meeting and have answers ready.
- Keep a record: If possible, keep a record of any written communication or decisions that relate to a person’s disability.
If an employer behaves in a way that could be discriminatory, such as treating a person differently after they disclose their disability, speak with a disability rights lawyer or union.
Type 2 diabetes can be a disability. A person who cannot work due to type 2 diabetes or its complications may be eligible for disability benefits.
There are two types of benefits: SSDI, which requires a qualifying length of time in work, and SSI, which can support people with disabilities at any age and time in their work career.
People can apply for disability benefits online, by phone, or by attending a prearranged appointment at their local SSA office. People will need to provide various information, such as proof of age, their social security number, and medical records.
Some people with type 2 diabetes may be able to continue working if their workplace makes reasonable accommodations. People in this situation can talk with their employer about adjustments that would help them.