How To Be Covered For High Blood Pressure By SSDI
Posted on: 12 October 2021
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers workers a chance to be paid even if they are unable to work anymore. The program known as SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) covers most common medical and even mental health conditions. However, applicants need to take care when they apply for coverage under a common condition like high blood pressure (or hypertension). Read on and find out more.
Be Ready To Remedy Yourself
Many don't realize the intricacies of filing for SSDI benefits and that can result in delays in being paid benefits. One common problem for applicants is that they don't do what they can to alleviate the problem before they file. The SSA will only pay you for a given condition if you show that you have sought medical treatment and have tried to help yourself get better by following medical advice. With high blood pressure, that could mean:
- Being prescribed and using medications to bring down your blood pressure.
- Attempting lifestyle changes like losing weight and exercising. You don't necessarily have to be successful in making these changes.
Each medical condition covered under SSDI benefits is listed in the blue book (online) where you can learn more about what is required before you apply for benefits.
Be Ready To Be Unemployed
This is a burden for almost anyone, but the SSA requires that applicants be unable to work for a year before they can gain benefits. If you have not been out of work for a year, you will need to show that your medical condition is not expected to improve enough within a year using medical records and doctor's notes. Any money earned during this time period will keep you from gaining benefits.
Be Ready To Provide Proof of Your Inability To Work
You also have to show that your condition directly affects your job tasks. For example, having high blood pressure could make you prone to eye disorders and that type of problem could affect your ability to do your job. However, if you had a foot problem then you might still be able to do a seated job. Keep in mind the need to link your specific job tasks with the symptoms of your high blood pressure.
Being turned down for benefits is just part of the plan when it comes to SSDI benefits. Don't let that denial slow you down. Speak to a Social Security disability attorney about your case and have them by your side when you appear for your appeal hearing.
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