Can you qualify for Social Security disability benefits for a liver transplant? Yes, you can!
Perhaps you suffer from extreme fatigue, or cirrhosis, or bile system disease, or a specific form of hepatitis that damages your liver to the point that you need a replacement. Often, people get a liver transplant because they have a terminal condition, and the transplant may be able to save them.
Whatever your reason for needing the transplant surgery, the SSA understands that simply having the procedure done can be disabling and qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits.
What do you need to do to qualify? You have two options:
- Meet SSA Listing 5.09. In an effort to simplify the disability application process, the SSA has created a guidebook called the Listings of Impairments that details every condition that is recognized for disability benefits, along with a set of criteria that you need to meet in order to qualify.
- Go through the Five Step Process. The Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process allows you to prove to the SSA that your condition is just as serious as any impairment written down in the Listings of Impairments and that you are deserving of benefits.
Of the two options, number one is by far the simplest and most straightforward, so you should always attempt to meet the SSA’s criteria first.
Meeting SSA Listing 5.09 to Receive Social Security Disability Benefits for Liver Transplant
As is the case with many other kinds of transplants, those who receive liver transplants automatically qualify for disability benefits for one year after the transplant takes place. After that time, it is possible that Social Security disability benefits may continue, but there will need to be a reevaluation to determine if there are residual impairments.
The SSA will evaluate your residual impairment(s) by considering the following:
- Adequacy of post‑transplant liver function
- The requirement for post‑transplant antiviral therapy
- The frequency and severity of rejection episodes
- Comorbid complications
- All adverse treatment effects
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Five Steps to Getting the Benefits You Need for Your Liver Transplant
Remember not to lose heart if you can’t meet the criteria set down by the SSA for Listing 5.09, because there’s always the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process. By using it, you may be able to prove that your condition is the equivalent of anything that the SSA includes in their Listings criteria.
The process isn’t simple, but an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can guide you through the process of using the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process to prove to the SSA that your condition has (1) prevented you from working for at least 12 months, and (2) is just as serious as any disorder defined in the SSA Listings of Impairments.
Getting SSD benefits may seem like an uphill battle against a confusing system. If you have questions about your SSD claim, we have answers. Reach out to the disability team at Marc Whitehead & Associates at 800-562-9830 today.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
