What to Know About Social Security Disability Insurance
When you’re living with lupus, it can impact all aspects of your daily life, including your ability to work and finances. For many, lupus symptoms like fatigue and pain can make it very difficult — or even impossible — to work.
If you have lupus and you’re not able to work, you may want to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance.
About Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that pays benefits to people who can’t work due to a medical condition. It’s funded by payroll taxes — meaning that people who work “pay into” the program through taxes on their wages. Keep in mind that SSDI is different from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a separate federal program.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict rules for who can get SSDI benefits. You may be eligible for SSDI if you:
- Meet the SSA’s definition of disability (or blindness)
- Have enough work history — meaning that you were employed for a certain amount of time before your disability made it so you can’t work
If you qualify for SSDI benefits, you’ll get monthly payments. The amount you get depends on your work history.
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance
It’s important to know that applying for SSDI benefits is a long process. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help give you the best chance for success.
Build your case
To get approved for SSDI, you have to provide strong evidence showing you meet the SSA’s definition of disabled. Evidence of disability generally includes medical documentation, such as:
- Contact information for your doctors
- Contact information for hospitals or clinics where you’ve been treated for lupus
- Medical test results — for example, from antibody or blood tests
- A list of medicines you take
- Other information about your medical care and treatment history
As you build your case, it’s important to work closely with your doctor — they’re in the best position to help you put together evidence of disability.
You’ll also need to provide information about your work history and family.
If you’re able to, you may want to consider working with a disability lawyer. They can give you advice on what evidence to submit and help you navigate the application process. And in general, disability lawyers who work on SSDI cases only get paid if you get approved for SSDI.
Submit your application and wait for a decision
Once you’ve collected the right evidence, follow the SSA’s instructions for applying for SSDI. It generally takes the SSA 6 to 8 months to make a decision.
The SSA will review your case to determine if you meet their definition of disabled. They’ll consider:
- Whether you’re currently working — You can be eligible for SSDI benefits and still work, but you have to earn less than the SSA’s substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1620 per month for people who aren’t blind (and $2700 per month for people who are blind).
- How severe your condition is — To meet the SSA’s requirements, your condition has to affect your ability to do basic work activities, like walking, sitting, seeing, or remembering information.
- Whether your condition is on the list of disabling conditions — Lupus is listed in section 14.02 of the SSA’s List of Impairments.
- Whether you can still do the work you did before — SSA will review the evidence you provided to decide whether lupus limits your ability to do the type of work you did before.
- Whether you can do any type of work — If you’re not able to do the type of work you did in the past, SSA will determine if they believe you can adjust to doing a different type of work. They’ll consider your medical condition and other factors, like your age, education, work experience, and skills you have that might transfer to a different type of work.
Expect some setbacks
It’s important to know that most people get denied the first time they apply and have to go through an appeals process before getting approved.
It can be easy to get discouraged or frustrated when applying for SSDI. But if lupus makes it so you can’t work — and you meet the requirements for receiving SSDI — keep in mind that you’re entitled to your benefits, and don’t give up if you’re not approved right away.
Request an appeal if you’re denied
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision and ask SSA to reevaluate your case. Keep in mind that you’ll need to start the appeals process within 60 days of getting your decision.
Remember, very few applications for SSDI benefits are approved the first time — most people need to go through the appeals process to get approved.
Know the rules
If you’re approved for SSDI benefits, make sure you understand and follow SSA’s rules. For example, you’ll have to report any changes to your work, income, or immigration status and follow specific rules if you want to return to work.
Long-Term Disability and Social Security Disability Insurance
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work for an extended period due to a disability. It is often offered through an employer as part of an employee benefits package. LTD benefits help replace lost income and function similarly to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), covering individuals who cannot work due to their condition. Note that LTD benefits are typically provided for a set period of time, which varies based on the policy.
If you are approved for SSDI while receiving LTD benefits, your LTD payments may be affected. Most LTD policies include an SSDI offset, meaning that your LTD benefits will be reduced by the amount you receive from SSDI. For example, if your LTD payment is $2,500 per month and you are approved for $1,000 per month in SSDI benefits, your LTD insurer will likely lower your payment to $1,500 per month.
Additionally, some LTD policies have a repayment clause. When you receive SSDI approval, the Social Security Administration (SSA) typically provides a lump sum of backpay to cover the period between when you became disabled and when your SSDI benefits were approved. Depending on your LTD policy, your insurer may require you to repay some or all of this lump sum.
If you have LTD benefits and are applying for SSDI, it’s important to read your LTD policy carefully and stay in contact with your former human resources department. Consulting a disability lawyer can also help you better understand your LTD policy and potential financial implications.
Learn more
These tools and resources can help you during the SSDI application process: