One of the main questions that people with diabetes always ask is if their condition is considered a disability or not. The answer is YES. It has been mandated by the law that having diabetes makes someone a candidate for disability aid programs. It gives the individual access to some major benefits, whether it be health or financial assistance.
However, the aid available to diabetic people will not apply to all. Why is this so? Those that can live with the illness or function despite their disability are independent enough, making them healthy and highly capable of support for themselves. These include diabetic people who can do any type of chore, sport, and job. Meanwhile, those who cannot work or sustain themselves are the candidates for the available programs imposed by the government.
Whether it be at school, workplace, law enforcement, or even in public places, people living with diabetes have full disability protection from these factors or locations. While discrimination is probable to people with this kind of condition, the illness shouldn’t be an obstacle for diabetic people to stop living their lives and halt their dreams. Diabetes has nothing to do with the goals and ambitions that a person dreams of following and achieving.
As mentioned, there are benefits that people with the condition diabetes can receive. These benefits are as follows:
- SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance
As diabetes can cause someone to malfunction, add to that some health concerns it triggers, SSDI is available for an individual to apply. This benefit involves a monthly check given to a diabetic person who cannot work or unable to support him/herself. The amount of money that will be penned on the check depends on the salary that the person was making during his/her employment days. One of the main qualifications includes working background for at least 5-10 years.
- SSI or Supplemental Security Income
For this benefit, diabetic people will still likely get their monthly aid, but the program is only for those whose salary is lesser compared to the expected amount set for SSDI. It is also applicable for diabetic individuals who have lesser savings. It is not necessary for someone to have worked before to qualify for this benefit. As for children, SSI does not apply to them. However, Medicaid is available for these little children.
The qualifications of the benefits
- If you are not capable of controlling your condition.
- Since diabetes can come uncontrolled, it triggers different health complications. If this phenomenon occurs, you are highly qualified for the benefits mentioned above.
Once you start applying for the benefits listed here, you will be further examined and assessed. Note that the programs for disabled people are already a privilege, so make sure that you utilize the money to good use, especially for diabetes individuals. The money you will likely receive should be used for purchasing your medicine and insulin assistance should treatment be needed. Lastly, always check with your doctor to get you treated and administered with the right medical care.
