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Can You Collect Disability Payments for Asthma?

Asthma can be a debilitating condition that can prevent those who have it from working. At present, the U.S. Social Security Administration recognizes asthma as a disability and may provide disability payments to those who suffer from chronic asthmatic bronchitis and/or frequent attacks.

  1. Disability Evaluation Under Social Security

    • When considering people for disability, there are three initial criteria that must be met before proceeding. First, you can no longer perform the work you did before the onset or worsening asthma. Second, a Social Security representative must agree that you cannot change your line of work because of your asthma. Last, the asthma has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least one year or that it may result in death. If you have met these three criteria, then you are ready to proceed with a claim.

    Employment

    • In order to collect disability payments for asthma, Social Security takes several steps to decide if you are eligible. The first question you may be asked is, "Are you working?" If you are working and your earnings total more than $980 a month, you are probably not eligible for disability payments.

    Severity of Condition

    • The next question you will be asked is, "Is your condition severe?" Social Security defines severe as an asthma disability severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities for most jobs. These types of things include standing or walking, hearing and speaking, and being able to take direction.

    Guidelines

    • Your asthma must meet the criteria spelled out in the Social Security guidelines. The presence of chronic asthmatic bronchitis and/or asthma attacks must require a doctor's care at least once every two months or six times a year.

    Medical Examination

    • Chronic asthmatic bronchitis generally causes the irreversible loss of pulmonary function. Therefore, a medical history, physical exam and chest x-ray, as well as other tests, are required.

    Frequency of Attacks

    • Another symptom of asthma that may make you eligible for disability payments are frequent asthma attacks. These are attacks that, despite prescribed treatment, are severe enough to require a doctor's care and occur at least once every two months or at least six times a year. These attacks are defined as episodes lasting one or more days, and require intensive treatment in a hospital, emergency room or the equivalent setting.

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