Does Arthritis Qualify for Disability?

Arthritis is common: It affects about 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. Its symptoms can affect your quality of life, mobility, and daily activities. But some cases are worse than others. If you have arthritis that limits your ability to perform your job or everyday tasks, you may be able to receive financial assistance from the government. 

In this article, we explain how to figure out if you’re eligible for Social Security disability benefits, and how to apply for them.

What is arthritis?

“Artho” means joint, and “itis” means inflammation. So simply put, arthritis just means inflammation in a joint. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased movement in your joints.  

There are many different joints in your body and many different causes of inflammation. So, there are many different types of arthritis. In fact, there are more than 100 conditions that affect the joints. A few examples include:

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by  wear and tear due to aging, injuries, and/or overuse.

• Gout: This is another common type of arthritis. Gout involves severe joint pain, swelling, and warmth.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a much more rare, autoimmune type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints and other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes.

What types of arthritis qualify for disability? 

When it comes to qualifying for disability, the type of arthritis doesn’t matter as much as the way in which arthritis affects your ability to function. Arthritis of any joint in the body (spine, hips, knees, etc.) and arthritis of any type might qualify.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has established specific guidelines that help determine if arthritis qualifies for disability. Joint pain alone is unlikely to be enough, but other information can help confirm that you meet the government’s criteria for assistance. For example, they look for information about:

• How arthritis was diagnosed (doctor’s notes, physical exam findings, test results)

• How arthritis limits your ability to work and perform certain activities

• The severity and duration of arthritis

• What assistive devices (such as a cane or walker) you need to help you function

• Any surgeries you may have had (operative reports written by surgeons)

• Your response to different treatments (like medications and physical therapy)

It may help to keep track of things you have trouble doing on your own or can’t do at all due to your arthritis. Similarly, it can help to keep all of your medical records and documentation in one place for easy access.

How to qualify for Social Security Administration benefits with arthritis

The SSA offers two long-term disability programs: 

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) 

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 

The first step is understanding the difference between the two, so you can determine the type of assistance you need. It’s possible to qualify for both programs at the same time.

The Arthritis Foundation offers this guide on how to qualify for benefits. 

Requirements

Applicants for benefits must meet strict requirements to qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both.

First, you must meet the criteria for SSA’s definition of disability for adults. (There’s a separate disability definition for children.) Adults meet the criteria when the disability has lasted or is expected to last at least 1 year or is expected to result in death. It must also prevent you from working. 

To be eligible for SSDI, you must also have worked long enough and recently enough to gain work credits. There’s a waiting period of 5 months for SSDI.

To be eligible for SSI, you must also have limited income and resources. There’s no waiting period, so you can apply as soon as you’re disabled. 

As mentioned, you must have a work history and income to qualify for SSDI and SSI.

Process

The SSA website is the best place to start. It has the information you need to prepare for your application, the online application, and a page where you can check the status of your application. 

If you prefer not to apply online, you can also call 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you're deaf or hard of hearing).

You may need your healthcare provider’s help in completing portions of the documentation. If that’s the case, be sure to schedule an appointment specifically for “disability paperwork.” This way you’ll have plenty of time for your doctor to ask questions and complete the forms with you. 

If you have other healthcare concerns you’d like to discuss, schedule two appointments: one for the disability application and another for your medical questions. 

Disability resources for arthritis

Arthritis resources

The Arthritis Foundation is a great place to start when it comes to resources for people with arthritis. Whether you’re looking for a local support group or trying to find a healthcare provider, their website is worth checking out. It’s also helpful to search for support groups in your area specific to the type of arthritis you have. 

Depending on your specific limitations, your physical or occupational therapist can also help. They may suggest devices or other equipment that can assist your mobility or function. 

Disability resources

Several resources are available for people who identify as disabled, whether you need help understanding your rights or support from your peers. 

It’s important to know that people with disabilities are protected from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you feel your arthritis limits your ability to perform your job, know that you have rights in the workplace. This means your employer may be required to make some accommodations to help.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Samantha C. Shapiro, MD

Samantha Shapiro, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist and internist with expertise in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. She founded the division of rheumatology at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

Edited by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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