- Author: Richard Stim
- Jan 30, 2026
Yes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can qualify for Social Security disability benefits if the condition is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Eligibility depends on medical evidence showing chronic symptoms, reduced lung function, or complications that prevent full-time employment.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects over 16 million people in the U.S., making it one of the more common respiratory disorders. If you suffer from COPD and it impacts your ability to work, even though you’ve received treatment for months, then you could qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
COPD is a progressive and chronic respiratory condition primarily affecting the lungs and airways. It encompasses a group of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which cause breathing difficulties.
Is COPD A Disability?
Yes, COPD may be recognized as a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA) under listing 3.02 Chronic Respiratory Disorders in the Blue Book. It will be possible only when its symptoms or the treatment required significantly impair your ability to maintain employment or carry out daily tasks independently.
Your COPD may trigger other disorders such as sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, asthma, emphysema, interstitial lung disease, and other panic attacks.
Common Stages of COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is typically classified into four standard stages based on the severity of the condition. These stages are often determined using the GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) staging system:
- Stage 1: Mild COPD (Mild Obstruction): Individuals may have mild symptoms such as a chronic cough and increased mucus production in this stage.
- Stage 2: Moderate COPD (Moderate Obstruction): At this stage, symptoms become more noticeable and may include increased breathlessness, particularly during physical activity.
- Stage 3: Severe COPD (Severe Obstruction): Severe COPD is characterized by significantly reduced lung function, causing frequent and severe breathlessness even during minimal physical exertion.
- Stage 4: Very Severe COPD (Very Severe Obstruction): This stage represents the most advanced form of COPD. Lung function is severely compromised, and individuals may experience severe and persistent symptoms even at rest.
Symptoms of COPD?
Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) include:
- Chronic Cough: A persistent cough that may produce mucus.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
- Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing.
- Chest Tightness: A sensation of pressure or constriction in the chest.
- Increased Mucus: Production of excess mucus in the airways.
- Frequent Respiratory Infections: Such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or lacking energy due to the effort required to breathe.
- Reduced Exercise Tolerance: Difficulty engaging in physical activities due to breathlessness.
- Cyanosis: Bluish or grayish discoloration of the lips and nails due to low oxygen levels.
- Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss is often related to the increased effort of breathing.
Can You Get Disability Benefits For COPD?
Yes, you can get disability benefits for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). To qualify, you must demonstrate that your COPD is severe and significantly impairs your ability to work.
The specific eligibility criteria and application process may vary by the disability benefits program, such as SSDI or SSI, that the applicant is applying for.
Criteria for Getting Disability with COPD
COPD criteria for Social Security disability benefits typically involve demonstrating the following:
- Medical Documentation: You must provide medical evidence of a formal diagnosis of COPD from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a pulmonologist.
- Severity of Impairment: You need to show that your COPD is severe enough to significantly impair your ability to work and perform substantial gainful activity (SGA).
- Duration: Your COPD must last at least 12 continuous months or be expected to result in death.
- Compliance with Treatment: Compliance with prescribed treatments and therapies and evidence of limited improvement despite these interventions are often considered.
- Work History: For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a work history and be insured for benefits based on your work credits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available to individuals with limited income and resources.
- Age: Certain age-related criteria may apply, especially for SSDI.
- Income and Resource Limits: In the case of SSI, income and resource limits need to be met.
How Much Is The Average Disability Check For COPD?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not specify payments for COPD. The average COPD disability check for COPD and other respiratory diseases is approximately $1,170. For SSDI, the maximum disability payment is $4,018 per month in 2025; for SSI, the payment is $943.
What if my COPD Does Not Meet The SSA’s Eligibility Criteria?
If your Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) does not meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) eligibility criteria for disability benefits, there are still steps you can take:
- Appeal the Decision: You can appeal if your initial application is denied. The appeals process includes several stages, such as reconsideration and, if necessary, an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing.
- Be Persistent: The disability claims process can be lengthy, and many applicants are initially denied. Persistence and determination can be essential to ultimately securing the benefits you deserve.
- Explore Other Options: If you do not qualify for disability benefits, you may still be eligible for other forms of assistance, such as vocational rehabilitation, unemployment benefits, or help from charitable organizations.
Need Legal Help? Contact a Disability Lawyer
An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can assist in obtaining COPD disability benefits by understanding the specific requirements for disability claims, ensuring your application is comprehensive and well-documented.
FAQs About COPD disability
Is COPD considered a disability?
Yes, COPD can be considered a disability if it is severe enough to limit your ability to work and perform daily activities.
What is COPD?
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe due to long-term airway obstruction, commonly caused by smoking or prolonged exposure to lung irritants.
Can you get disability benefits for COPD?
Yes, you may qualify for disability benefits if your COPD causes serious breathing problems and prevents you from working full-time.
How severe does COPD have to be to qualify for disability?
COPD must be advanced and medically documented, showing reduced lung function, frequent flare-ups, or ongoing symptoms that limit physical activity.
What tests are used to prove COPD disability?
Common tests include pulmonary function tests (spirometry), oxygen saturation testing, chest X-rays, CT scans, and medical records showing treatment history.
What are the most common symptoms of COPD?
Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, and frequent respiratory infections.
Can COPD get worse over time?
Yes, COPD is usually a progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time, especially without proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
What should you avoid if you have COPD?
Avoid smoking, secondhand smoke, air pollution, dust, chemical fumes, and anything that triggers breathing issues or flare-ups.