Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Why Do They List HIV As A Disability On Applications?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Jacksonville, FL

Do you respond as disabled? Or not?

May 13, 2021
β€’
View reactions
A myHIVteam Member

That's a good question. I always check yes to the disabled question. Just so they can't say I lied on my application. It doesn't ask which disability and no ones ever asked me about it. It think it has more to do state and federal credits and taxes.

May 14, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

Yes unfortunately in today's day and with the cocktails that are available for people with HIV in today's world HIV is no longer considered a disability. For those of us who have AIDS and who came back from the world of AIDS in the 1980s and 90s the drugs that we were on back then categorically ruined our organs and our HIV has been advancing so we do have AIDS symptoms which puts us in the disability category. I think the medicines of today are much stronger and much better with less side effects so that progressing to the AIDS diagnosis is very rare using today's medications..... β€οΈπŸŒˆπŸ™

May 14, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

If you are asking for job applications, then yes, it is a disability. Jobs CAN ask if you have a disability but they can NOT ask what your disability is. The reason they ask on job applications is because if places hire people with disabilities, their company can get tax credits for hiring you since the ADA (American Disability Act) classifies HIV/AIDS as a disability.
As to collect benefits for HIV/AIDS, you need other symptoms to collect, since HIV is now manageable.

May 14, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

It really depends because some people are disabled my dear. In today's world just having HIV does not qualify you for disability but being AIDS symptomatic.. with the doctor's note may qualify someone for disability. ... β€οΈπŸ’›πŸ’šπŸ’œπŸ’œβ™₯οΈπŸ‘πŸŒˆπŸ˜

May 14, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

I've been disabled since 1998 once you're diagnosed with AIDS by the US Government you always are considered to have AIDS as a disability in Florida, but change is coming for those of us who are undetectable but we can still retain our disability status if, like my case a Social Security medical professional judges you disabled. I found out yesterday that I have only two more steps to qualify for a paid pastor position in August. I'm 66 so I will retain my SS and Medicare and even Ryan White as my income will be below their requirements. Pastor David

May 14, 2021

Related content

View All

I Have Been Positive For 11 Years Now And Have An Incredibly High Cd4 Count And Have Always Had A High Cd4 1450+ Anyone Else Too?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question πŸ’­

Do You See Having HIV As A Disability?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Geneva, IL

How Hard Is It To Be Approved For Disability With Having HIV?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question πŸ’­