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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
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members shared diverse perspectives on whether HIV qualifies as a disability on applications, with the consensus being that while HIV alone is... Read more

Members shared diverse perspectives on whether HIV qualifies as a disability on applications, with the consensus being that while HIV alone is now considered manageable and typically does not qualify someone for disability benefits, it is still legally classified as a disability under the ADA, and employers ask about disability status for tax credit purposes without requiring specifics. Several members described how HIV can contribute to disability claims when combined with other serious health conditions like traumatic brain injury, AIDS-related complications, severe neuropathy, or organ damage from early medications, with one member sharing a powerful story of recovery from paralysis and wasting syndrome caused by older HIV drugs. A recurring theme was the distinction between being HIV-positive and undetectable versus having an AIDS diagnosis or AIDS-related symptoms, with members emphasizing that today's medications are far superior and prevent progression, while those who lived through the 1980s and 90s often carry lasting physical damage from toxic early treatments that now legitimately qualify them for disability status.

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

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