Kidneys that operate at a fully functional level prevent the buildup of waste, water, and other types of impurities that can cause a rapid increase in toxicity. Your kidneys control blood pressure, as well as maintain healthy levels of the minerals you need to ensure an optimal blood circulation system. Kidney failure can lead to several different remedial strategies, with a dialysis machine representing the most serious attempt to maintain properly functioning kidneys.
If you have gone on kidney dialysis, you understand the transition is a major life altering event. Your mobility is severely limited, which means performing any type of occupational tasks is out of the question. How do you handle the financial burden of having to live with a kidney dialysis machine? The answer lies in a disability program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Back to topHow to Make Up for the Income Lost by Kidney Dialysis
If your kidneys have failed and the suggested treatment plan involves the use of a kidney dialysis machine, you should turn to the SSA to make up for the income lost by not being able to work. The SSA offers a benefits program called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) that bridges the financial gap caused by serious medical conditions such as kidney failure. Applicants need to refer to what is called the Blue Book to confirm that the medical condition they have qualifies for disability benefits. The Blue Book also list the symptoms associated with each illness or disease, as well as establishes severity levels that qualify applicants for benefits.
Not all SSDI applications go through the SSA system on their own. The SSA sometimes asks applicants to submit a supplemental form called a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment form. An RFC demonstrates how being placed on kidney dialysis has prevented you from working in any type of job. For example, a construction worker placed on kidney dialysis obviously cannot complete the most basic job tasks. However, the SSA uses an RFC form to determine whether you can work a job that exclusively keeps you at a desk, such as an online marketer or a data entry specialist.
Back to topMedical Evidence is Crucial
An RFC assessment form signed and submitted by a certified doctor significantly increases the validity of the form. Your physician will present key evidence that show the presence of acute kidney disease that requires the use of a dialysis machine. You should attach the result of blood tests to your RFC assessment form. Blood tests display the build up of waste products like urea and creatine in the kidneys. Imaging tests show how well the kidneys function, and removing a tissue sample from a kidney gives your physician the physical evidence you need to show the importance of kidney dialysis treatment. You also need to present the SSA with evidence that you are indeed hooked up to a kidney dialysis machine throughout each day.
Undergo a Free Case Evaluation
Submitting an RFC assessment form is a one and done deal. You have to ensure the assessment form provides the SSA with unwavering evidence of how kidney dialysis has prevented you from securing gainful employment. The best way to measure the strength of your RFC assessment form is by obtaining a free case evaluation. Within a matter of a few days, you should know if your RFC assessment form is ready for submission to the SSA.
Back to topAdditional Resources
- How Disabling is Kidney Dialysis
- Is Kidney Disease A Disability?
- Chances of Being Approved for Disability Benefits
