Chicago HIV Attorneys

Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyers

If you have HIV/AIDS and are unable to work as a result of your medical condition, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).  Additionally, if your child suffers from HIV or AIDS, he or she may also be eligible for SSI benefits if your household income falls below certain financial thresholds.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) attempts to review and decide claims based on HIV/AIDS as quickly as possible.  The SSA will review information provided by you and your doctor in order to evaluate your medical condition makes you eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits.  The SSA may pay SSI benefits to you immediately and for up to six months before a final determination is made on your claim if the following conditions are met:

• (1) you are not working;
• (2) you meet the SSI income and resources requirements; and
• (3) your doctor or other medical provider provides certification that your HIV infection is severe enough to meet the SSA medical eligibility rules.

In order to be eligible for either SSI or SSDI benefits, an individual must suffer from a medical condition that prevents him or her from working for a period of 12 months or will result in death.  Many individuals with HIV are unable to work as a result of their medical condition, but just because a person has HIV does not mean that he or she is automatically eligible for social security disability benefits.

The SSA will evaluate the medical records provided by an applicant to determine if he or she is unable to work as a result of HIV/AIDS and has no residual functional capacity.  The medical evidence provided must allow the SSA to evaluate the nature, severity and duration of an applicant’s medical condition.  A complete medical report should include the applicant’s medical history, clinical results, laboratory results, diagnosis, prognosis and a medical statement about the applicant’s residual functional capacity (i.e. what activities the applicant can still do despite the medical condition).

An application for social security disability benefits based on HIV/AIDS can be incredibly complex.  The skilled Chicago social security disability attorneys at Ankin Law can guide you through the entire application process.  We are familiar with the SSA’s “Listing of Medical Impairments,” and the type of medical information that is required for each medical condition, including HIV.    Our knowledgeable Chicago social security disability attorneys will explain the types of benefits available to you and help you complete your application.  If a disability hearing is necessary, our experienced Chicago disability attorneys will prepare you for the hearing and advocate on your behalf at the hearing.

If you or a loved one suffers from HIV/AIDS and is unable to work as a result, contact the Chicago social security disability law firm of Ankin Law at (872) 529-9377 to schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help you with your HIV disability claim.