Fibromyalgia and Disability

Living with fibromyalgia can be challenging. For some people, the fatigue, pain, and other symptoms are so relentless that work outside the home can seem impossible. When this occurs, some patients consider getting on Social Security disability for a small monthly payment.

While guidelines may change, as of this writing, to be eligible for social security disability benefits, a person must be fully insured at the onset of disability, and have worked in Social Security-covered employment for at least five of the previous ten years or 20 out of 40 quarters. This applies to disability that begins after you turn 31.

If the disability begins before you turn 31, the requirements say that you must have worked under Social Security-covered employment for more than six quarters, or at least half of the quarters when you were between the age of 21 and the age when disability began. You must also be under the current Social Security normal retirement age. After you reach normal retirement age, disability benefits become retirement benefits.
Here is the biggie – you must have a physical or mental impairment that (1) disables the worker from the performance of any substantial work, and (2) is expected to either be terminal or last for at least 12 months. That’s the kicker. Just because you can’t do the kind of work you used to do does not mean you automatically qualify for disability. You can’t be able to do any type of work at all.

People who live with fibromyalgia are getting disability. However, it often takes more than one attempt. Remember that getting disability can be very stressful and for some people, results in less income than continuing to work part-time.

If you’ve been turned down, seeks support and guidance from support groups and health care professionals and you may wish to find an attorney who specializes in the field.