Long COVID can cause lingering symptoms that interfere with everyday life. If your symptoms stop you from working for a long time, you might wonder if they count as a disability under Social Security rules.
What counts as a disability under SSA
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your condition must prevent you from doing any substantial work and last at least 12 months or be expected to lead to death. Temporary symptoms won’t qualify. You need medical proof showing that your condition has lasting effects that limit your ability to work.
Why long COVID can meet SSA’s test
Long COVID, also called post-COVID conditions, can qualify as a disability if you have enough medical evidence. This includes things like a positive COVID test, a doctor’s diagnosis, or imaging that supports your ongoing symptoms. Even though SSA doesn’t list long COVID in its official Blue Book, you can still qualify if your symptoms are similar to those of listed conditions. For example, brain fog might relate to neurological disorders, or breathing problems could match respiratory listings. If your symptoms make you unable to work full-time, SSA may approve your claim.
Documenting the impact of long COVID
To make a strong SSDI claim, you need to show that your symptoms are serious, have lasted or will last at least a year, and stop you from working. This includes proving you had COVID, showing how your daily life is affected, and submitting detailed medical records. Doctors’ notes, test results, and treatment history help show the SSA that your condition limits what you can do.
Long COVID can qualify as a disability if it keeps you from working and lasts at least a year. The key is strong medical evidence and clear examples of how your symptoms affect your daily tasks. With enough proof, SSA may approve benefits for long COVID.
