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To qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) with HIV, the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for evidence that the condition or its treatment is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months.
A diagnosis alone isn't enough; you must meet specific medical and financial criteria.
1. Medical Qualifications (The "Blue Book" Listing 14.11)
The SSA evaluates HIV under Section 14.11. You can qualify if you have a documented HIV infection plus one of the following:
Low CD4 Count: * An absolute CD4 count of 50 cells/mm³ or less.
OR a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm³ (or CD4 percentage < 14%) AND one additional complication, such as a low BMI (under 18.5) or low hemoglobin.
Opportunistic Infections: Diagnosis of specific conditions like Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), Toxoplasmosis of the brain, or certain types of Tuberculosis.
HIV-Related Cancers: Such as Kaposi’s sarcoma (in the lungs or other internal organs), Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma, or Invasive Cervical Cancer.
Repeated Hospitalizations: At least three hospitalizations within a 12-month period, each lasting at least 48 hours and occurring at least 30 days apart.
Functional Limitations: If you don't meet the specific listings above, you can qualify by showing "repeated manifestations" of HIV (such as severe fatigue, malaise, or chronic diarrhea) that significantly limit your activities of daily living, social functioning, or ability to complete tasks timely.
Do you qualify for disability in Ohio with an HIV diagnosis?
Having an HIV diagnosis alone doesn't automatically qualify you for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration evaluates whether HIV-related complications prevent you from working or earning meaningful income.
To qualify, you must meet these Show Full Answer
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