Social Security Disability Benefits for HIV/AIDS in Chicago, IL
If you have Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), it can lead to life threatening infections. If your condition means you’re unable to work, you may qualify for disability benefits.
However, it’s worth noting that patients with HIV infections that haven’t progressed into AIDS, and even some patients with AIDS, won’t be found disabled.
The key to qualifying for Social Security Disability is proving that your condition has escalated to the point where you can’t work.
Meeting the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Requirements when You Have HIV or AIDS
The Social Security Administration’s listing for HIV and AIDS is complex. You must show you have one of the following:
- Bacterial Infections: These include recurrent diarrhea caused by Salmonella; infections such as tuberculosis or leprosy; nocardiosis; or multiple infections that require hospitalization at least three times a year.
- Viral Infections: These include Herpes; Herpes simplex virus; Shingles and PML (a progressive brain inflammation).
- Fungal Infections: These include infections that affect many parts of your immune system and other areas.
- Cancer
- Skin or Mucus Conditions
No matter your symptoms or conditions, you must have the right medical evidence necessary to prove your case to the SSA. Even if you don’t meet the listing, if it can be shown that the conditions associated with your HIV or AIDS prevent you from working, you will meet SSA’s criteria.
If you need help proving your HIV or AIDS conditions to the SSA, call our Social Security Disability lawyers at 312-561-3546.