Asthma affects over 8.3 % of Americans. It is a chronic illness that can cause coughing, breathlessness, and wheezing. Asthmatics face many challenges related to their physical health, well-being, and finances.
When the asthma symptoms are severe, patients require emergency medical attention. In many cases, such patients are admitted to hospital for further treatment and professional monitoring.
For some individuals, asthma is an occasional health condition that may flare up when triggered. For others, it’s a daily challenge that requires constant treatment and may affect your ability to work in certain conditions.
Does the Disability Act Cover Asthma
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, asthma symptoms affect an individual’s quality of life. That’s why the ADA classifies asthma as a disability.
The ADA was enacted in the 1990s to protect Americans with disability from systematic discrimination. The law defines disability as a ‘physical health’ or ‘mental health’ impairment that significantly affects a major life activity.’ Major life activities may include basic body functions such as eating, breathing, going to school, or even working.
In 2008, the ADA revised its definition of disability to include health conditions that cause intermitted symptoms. Thus, some disability symptoms may be present occasionally but don’t need to be consistently active. Asthma falls under this ‘disability’ definition as it occurs when triggered by something.
If you’re asthmatic, you have the right to request reasonable changes in your environment if certain conditions in school or at the workplace pose a health risk.
Does Asthma Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Depending on the severity of your asthma, you may qualify for Social Security benefits. For instance, if your condition is severe and prevents you from working, you’ll likely qualify for disability benefits under the SSA (Social Security Administration). However, if you can manage your asthma with medication, you may not qualify for the SSA disability benefits.
To qualify for disability benefits under SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you must have been unable to work for at least a year due to asthma. Remember, the SSDI benefits apply to Americans who worked for several years and paid taxes.
There are certain medical requirements you must meet to be eligible for asthma disability benefits. For instance, you must have a professional diagnosis of asthma. Your condition must be severe enough to necessitate intensive treatments that render you unable to work. Such treatments may include antibiotic administration and extended bronchodilator therapy.
While you can manage mild asthma with medication, severe cases of asthma can interfere with your ability to work. The latter may qualify for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance or the Social Disability Administration. If you are eligible, your SSA or SSDI benefit amount will depend on your occupation and the severity of your condition.