Does Psoriatic Arthritis Qualify as a Disability?
Key takeaways:
If you have psoriatic arthritis, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Your level of benefits depends on your ability to work and how long you’ve been paying into Social Security.
You’ll need a lot of documentation to make your case, but the effort may be worth it.
Access savings on related medications
Table of contents
If you have psoriatic arthritis, you may be eligible for financial help from the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA provides disability benefits or supplemental income for people who can't work.
Below, we’ll look at the SSA’s eligibility criteria and discuss how to apply for disability benefits for psoriatic arthritis.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect your skin and joints. About one-third (30%) of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).
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Psoriatic arthritis can cause swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints. It most often affects the joints in the fingers and toes, which can make it difficult to walk, run and use your hands to do everyday tasks.
Is psoriatic arthritis a serious condition?
PsA can be a serious condition, and it has no cure. But starting treatment early can help slow down arthritis and stop joint damage.
Managing psoriatic arthritis often includes medications, as well as physical and occupational therapy.
Leaving PsA untreated can affect your quality of life. The pain and swelling may make it hard to sleep well or take part in activities you enjoy. Fortunately, for many people with PsA, medication helps control their inflammation and pain. Adding physical therapy into the mix protects your range of motion so you can move comfortably.
How does psoriatic arthritis impact your ability to work?
Psoriatic arthritis may or may not be disabling. It depends on how arthritis affects your joints and how well you respond to treatment.
Some people with PsA can work. If you’re able to work with PsA, it’s a good idea to:
Talk to your rheumatology team. Discuss your work activities and workspace with your care team. They can help you brainstorm ideas for working around your PsA.
Work with your employer. Discuss your condition, and ask about accommodations such as ergonomic furnishings or a flexible schedule.
Stick to your prescribed PsA treatment plan. Keep an eye on your symptoms. If needed, talk to your rheumatologist about changing your medication.
Choose suitable office supplies and furnishings. Ergonomic desks, chairs, keyboards, mouses, and other items may make office work less painful.
Move frequently. Stretching and moving for at least 5 minutes every hour can reduce stiffness and discomfort.
Are all diagnoses of psoriatic arthritis considered a disability?
No. Not every person with PsA qualifies for disability. Here are the top-level criteria the SSA uses to decide if you're eligible:
You can't work and engage in substantial gainful activity.
You can't do work you did before or adjust to different work because of your medical condition.
Your condition has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 1 year.
Along with those criteria, the SSA also includes other specific guidelines for qualifying. Review the guidelines to get a better idea of what's considered a disability.
What criteria do you have to meet for psoriatic arthritis to be considered a disability?
The easiest way to figure out if you're eligible is to use the SSA’s benefit eligibility screening tool.
You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you've worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. The number of required work credits depends on your age when your disability begins. Generally, you need to have 40 credits, with 20 of them earned in the last 10 years ending with the year that your disability begins. In 2024, for example, you earn one credit for each $1,730 in wages or self-employment income. When you've earned $6,920, you've got your four credits for the year.
You may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you’re eligible for disability benefits and can prove financial need.
How do you apply for psoriatic arthritis disability benefits?
Applying for disability benefits is a complicated process that takes many months or even years.
First, gather all the information you need to apply. This checklist shows the documents you need, including medical records and information proving your job history. This step will take time.
Once you have the documents, you can complete the application. Recently, Social Security's average application processing time was 6 to 8 months.
If SSA determines that your condition is a disability, there's usually a 5-month waiting period before receiving benefits. Your first benefit disbursement won't arrive until the sixth full month after the date your disability began.
Since the process can be lengthy, you may need financial support in the meantime. Here are ways to help you manage:
Ask your employer or an attorney if you qualify for workers' compensation or employer disability.
Find out if you qualify for unemployment insurance.
Check with local agencies to see if you're eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or housing assistance.
What disability benefits are provided for qualifying individuals with psoriatic arthritis?
There are two types of benefits available through the SSA: The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you can't work because of your PsA. And the SSI program is for adults and children who have limited income and resources.
How much does disability pay for psoriatic arthritis?
As of June 2024, SSA paid an average monthly disability benefit of about $1,715.10.
How much you'll get depends on your full retirement benefit and record of “covered earnings.” Covered earnings are the work income on which you paid Social Security taxes.
You can find out your projected retirement and disability benefit amounts via your My Social Security account. If you don't have an online account yet, this is a good reason to sign up.
Frequently asked questions
The maximum monthly amount you can earn without losing your SSDI benefits is $1,550. If you are blind, that amount is increased to $2,590.
Yes. The SSA has strict guidelines, and the application process requires very specific evidence. Most people get denied the first time they apply due to a lack of information submitted.
If pain or mobility issues prevent you from performing your normal job tasks, you should review the different types of disorders and the criteria to see if you might qualify before applying for SSDI.
The bottom line
If you can't work because of your psoriatic arthritis, you should apply for disability insurance. The process is complex, so you may want to get help from your healthcare organization’s case manager or social worker. You may also be able to get help from a caseworker in the local office of your U.S. senator or representative. The disability application process can take years, but don’t give up. You deserve to get support if your PsA keeps you from working.
Why trust our experts?
References
Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool. (n.d.). Disability Assistance Social Security. Social Security Administration.
Kiger, P. J., et al. (2024). What is a My Social Security account and how do I sign up? AARP.
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Adult disability starter kit.
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Disability.
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). How you qualify.
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Selected data from Social Security's disability program.
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Social Security credits.
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Try returning to work without losing Disability.
Social Security Administration. (2022). Is there a waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits?
Social Security Administration. (2024). How long does it take to get a decision after I apply for disability benefits?
U.S. House of Representatives. (n.d.). Directory of representatives.
U.S. States Senate. (n.d.). Contacting U.S. senators.
