Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can make breathing difficult. If your asthma is severe enough, it could be considered a disability. Getting disability payments could be helpful if your asthma prevents you from working.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects almost
For some people, asthma is an occasional issue, only flaring up when something triggers it. For others, it can be a daily challenge and need constant treatment. In severe cases of asthma, it may affect your ability to work and be in certain environments.
Because of this, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) considers asthma a disability, and some people with it may qualify for disability benefits.
Yes, asthma falls under the ADA.
The ADA was passed in 1990 to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. It defines a person with a disability as someone who has a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.”
Major life activities can include basic functions such as breathing, eating, working, and going to school.
In 2008, the ADA expanded its definition of “disability” to include conditions that may have intermittent symptoms. This means that the symptoms of the disability may be present from time to time, but they do not have to be active consistently. Asthma falls into this definition, as it may only occur when something triggers it.
This means that if you have asthma, you have the right to ask for reasonable changes if certain conditions at work or school put you at a disadvantage.
Depending on the level of your asthma, you could qualify for Social Security benefits if your asthma is severe enough that you can’t work.
If you can manage and control your asthma with medications, you may not be eligible for disability benefits. But if your asthma is severe enough that it prevents you from working, even with treatment, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In order to qualify to file a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you need to expect to be unable to work for at least 1 year due to your condition. These benefits only apply to people who have worked for several years and have paid taxes.
You would file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have a low income and have few assets.
To medically qualify for asthma disability benefits, you must have a diagnosis of asthma, and your asthma must be severe enough to require treatments that are so intensive that they prevent you from working.
These intensive treatments would include:
- an intravenous bronchodilator
- extended bronchodilator therapy in a healthcare setting
- antibiotic administration
If you don’t meet these requirements but still find yourself unable to work, you may be able to file for benefits under a Medical Vocational Allowance. This allows the SSA to evaluate your skills and your medical situation to determine if there’s a type of full-time work you can do.
If the SSA confirms there’s not appropriate work for you, you may qualify for disability benefits.
As of 2024, the maximum monthly SSDI benefit for asthma is $3,822, and it’s $943 for SSI. This amount will vary depending on your specific condition, as well as your work and income history for SSDI.
The SSA has specific criteria for determining eligibility benefits and different benefit amounts depending on your condition. To get detailed information regarding estimated individual benefits, you can enter your information on the SSA website.
To apply for disability benefits with asthma, you need to gather all your medical documentation. This should include your asthma diagnosis, your prescription information, and any supporting information from your doctor.
You’ll also need to be able to document your work history extensively. Make sure you have several years of employment records, if you’ve been employed, and any records of the time required to take off for your asthma treatments. If your asthma or treatments have caused you to miss or be let go from work in the past, try to bring documentation of this as well.
Then, you can begin a Social Security claim online or in person through a local Social Security office.
It’s important to know that applying for disability isn’t a quick process, and it can sometimes take longer than a year. If your application is denied, it’s possible to re-apply, and many people are approved in this appeals process.
If you need support during the application period, you may want to look into resources like the American Lung Association.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can affect your ability to breathe. Although it’s often possible to manage asthma with inhalers and medications, it can sometimes be severe and interfere with everyday activities.
If your asthma is severe enough that you’re unable to work for an extended period of time, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
There are certain requirements to meet in order to be eligible for disability benefits with asthma. If you’re considered eligible, your benefit amount will vary based on the severity of your condition and your work.