If you or a loved one suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis, it may lead to severe disablement. The disabling condition is often marked by a severe rash on the skin called plaque psoriasis. The rash may manifest itself as small red bumps but can gradually take the shape of larger scales leaving the skin susceptible to being scratched off and result in bleeding.
In extreme cases, the rashes can be severe enough to peel away significant portions of skin. The patient may become unable to work in such cases but Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) may offer some relief.
However, winning SSI or SSDI benefits may not be as simple and straightforward as it sounds. More than two-thirds of all applications for SSI or SSDI benefits are denied by the Social Security Administration. An experienced and knowledgeable Psoriatic Arthritis Disability Benefits Lawyer at our office could help you take on the SSA for the benefits you need and deserve.
Psoriatic Arthritis is classified under the Section “Inflammatory Arthritis” by the SSA. Even though Psoriatic Arthritis may be a qualifying condition for disability benefits, you must meet certain eligibility criteria to be approved for benefits.
To be eligible to receive Psoriatic Arthritis disability benefits, the disability condition must be severe enough to the point where the applicant is unable to retain substantially gainful employment.
To understand whether the Psoriatic Arthritis condition of an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, the SSA will consider the consequences of the health condition on the applicant’s body. The SSA will consider whether any major joints or organs of the body are affected by Psoriatic Arthritis. It will also find out how the condition affects other aspects of your life including everyday activities.
Similarly, the Social Security Administration will also consider if your Psoriatic Arthritis condition affects your socialization abilities and whether it reduces the applicant’s ability of completing tasks in a timely manner. Psoriatic arthritis can also make mobility difficult and cause severe levels of pain, thereby reducing your efficiency at work.
If your Psoriatic Arthritis meets the qualification criteria for you to be considered disabled, you may be eligible for two different SSA benefits programs- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
To qualify for SSDI benefits, the SSA will take into account your age and work history. The applicant will have to establish sufficient earnings from a job or through self-employment, and payment of enough Social Security taxes to qualify for SSDI benefits.
On the other hand, qualifying for SSI requires you to fulfill the following two conditions:
If you are suffering from a Psoriatic Arthritis disability and it prevents you from working, you must consider the services of an accomplished SSD benefits lawyer. Contact The Keener Law Firm today for a free consultation and claim review.