- Author: Richard Stim
- Feb 04, 2026
Yes, Lupus can be considered a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Social Security Administration has a list of impairments that are considered disabling, and lupus is on this list. However, not everyone with lupus will qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits.
Lupus is known to cause blindness, strokes, seizures, and kidney damage. The SSA will consider your symptoms, how they affect your ability to work, and your medical history when deciding.
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many different parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. The immune system normally protects the body from infection by attacking foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses.
In people with lupus, the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs by mistake. This can cause inflammation, pain, and damage to the affected tissues.
Lupus is more common in women than men, and it is most likely to develop between the ages of 15 and 45. The number of people affected by lupus in the United States is estimated to be between 1.5 and 2.5 million. The majority of people with lupus are women, and the disease is most common in African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
What Are The Symptoms Of Lupus?
The symptoms of Lupus can vary widely from person to person and may come and go over time. Some common symptoms of Lupus include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swollen joints
- Skin rashes, including the butterfly rash across the cheeks and nose
- Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight)
- Mouth sores or ulcers
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingers and toes turning white or blue in response to cold or stress)
- Hair loss
- Chest pain and shortness of breath
- Headaches, confusion, and memory loss
- Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Protein or blood in the urine
These symptoms may vary in severity and frequency depending on the individual and the stage of the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may see a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Types Of Lupus That Qualify For Disability Benefits
There are several types of Lupus, each affecting different parts of the body and with varying degrees of severity. The most common types of Lupus are:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
- Drug-Induced Lupus
- Neonatal Lupus
- Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE)
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
Can You Get Disability For Lupus?
Yes, you can get disability benefits for lupus. To qualify for lupus disability benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
- Your impairment must have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months.
- Your impairment must be severe enough that you are unable to do any substantial gainful activity.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA will review your medical records and other evidence to determine if you are eligible for benefits.
SSA Blue Book Listings for Lupus Disability Eligibility
The SSA’s Blue Book lists two listings for lupus under Section 14 that can qualify you for disability benefits:
- Listing 14.02B: Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) that affects two or more organs or body systems with moderate severity.
- Listing 14.02C: Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) that results in repeated fevers, fatigue, malaise, or involuntary weight loss, as well as a limitation of daily living, social functioning, or completing tasks.
Eligibility Criteria For Getting Disability With Lupus
The SSA approves lupus disability benefits according to the following criteria:
- Your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from work
- Symptoms are laying an adverse impact on two or more organs severely impacting one of the organs
- The applicant must exhibit at least two of the following symptoms such as fever malaise, fatigue, and involuntary weight loss
- Symptoms are resulting in limited social functioning, limited ability to complete tasks within time owing to the lack of ability to focus
What To Do If Your Lupus Disability Meets The SSA’s Eligibility Criteria?
If your lupus is meeting the eligibility criteria of the SSA you can apply for the disability benefits by submitting your medical documents related to lupus. The application process for the Social Security Disability Benefits is complex and time-consuming.
Therefore, you must start it as soon as possible. Connecting with a disability attorney will also help to increase your likelihood of approval of lupus disability benefits.
What To Do If Your Lupus Disability Does Not Meet The Criteria?
You can apply for disability benefits if you do not meet the criteria of the SSA. This is because there is no penalty and you must be honest about all the information that you are providing.
Even if your symptoms are severe it is challenging to qualify for the benefits. Therefore, you must apply for the right program and work with a disability lawyer who will help you in the right direction.
What Are Types Of Disability Benefits?
It is important to apply for the right disability benefits as it may increase your chances of approval. Fundamentally, there are two types of disability benefits that you can apply for:
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Applicants must apply for this program if they have paid their taxes and worked for at least 5 or 10 years.
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This type of program is based on income and applicants must apply for this program if they have low income and low assets.
How To Apply For Lupus Disability Benefits?
To get approved for SSDI or SSI for lupus, an applicant must meet all the eligibility requirements of the SSA that will make them eligible for the same. You need to ensure that all your financial details, work history, and educational information are ready before you begin the application process.
You are required to provide all the essential details in your application form without mentioning any misleading information. Gather all the copies of your documents and other medical records. The SSA’s Blue Book has all the details mentioned relating to a specific condition.
How Much Is The Disability Check For Lupus?
The average disability check for lupus is nearly $1,170. However, the amount may vary based on your symptoms and impact on your work. The maximum monthly benefits for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are $4,018 in 2024, and for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), $943.
Need Legal Help? Contact A DIsability Attorney
If you have lupus and you believe that you may be eligible for disability benefits, you should contact an experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer. They can help you understand the SSA’s disability requirements and file your application for benefits.
FAQs About Lupus Disability
What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and damage to organs such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and brain.
Is lupus considered a disability?
Yes, lupus can be considered a disability when symptoms are severe, long-term, and significantly limit daily activities or the ability to work.
Can you get disability benefits for lupus?
Yes, you may qualify for disability benefits if lupus causes ongoing symptoms or organ damage that prevents full-time employment.
Does lupus qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI or SSI)?
Yes, lupus may qualify under the SSA Blue Book listing for systemic lupus erythematosus or based on functional limitations caused by the condition.
How severe does lupus have to be to qualify for disability?
Lupus must cause moderate to severe symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, organ involvement, or cognitive issues that persist despite treatment.
What lupus symptoms can qualify for disability?
Common qualifying symptoms include chronic fatigue, joint inflammation, kidney problems, heart or lung involvement, neurological symptoms, and frequent flare-ups.
What medical evidence is needed for a lupus disability claim?
Medical records, lab results, specialist reports, treatment history, and documentation showing how lupus limits work and daily activities are required.
Can lupus flare-ups affect disability eligibility?
Yes, frequent or severe lupus flare-ups that disrupt daily functioning or work attendance can support a disability claim.
Is lupus considered an invisible disability?
Yes, lupus is often considered an invisible disability because symptoms like fatigue, pain, and brain fog may not be outwardly visible.
Is Lupus a Presumptive VA Disability?
Yes. Lupus is a presumptive VA disability when it is diagnosed in veterans with qualifying service and meets the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs criteria most commonly for veterans exposed to certain environmental hazards. Presumptive status means service connection is granted without proving direct causation.