Fibromyalgia is an invisible condition, which can be difficult for people to cope with. This is because a person might look perfectly healthy, but in reality they are suffering and enduring through a great deal of pain. This could mean that acquaintances of the sufferer, including their employer, may lack understanding and empathy for what they are going through with their disability.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia include extreme pain, which can flare up when walking, putting pressure on the feet or moving any muscles. As a result, sufferers can be in a position where they are no longer able to pursue meaningful work, especially if the only type of work they are qualified for involves being active and on their feet.

Could I be eligible for social security disability benefits as a sufferer of fibromyalgia?

The extent of and the severity of fibromyalgia will determine whether a sufferer will be eligible for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). In the SSA guidelines, a severe impairment must be recognized and determined by medical practitioners. It must also be proven that the patient has been suffering from pain for a minimum of three months, with a minimum of 11 out of 18 tender point sites being acknowledged as painful areas.

It must also be shown that the applicant is physically unable to continue in any work that they were participating in previous to their fibromyalgia diagnosis. Each applicant will also be assessed in accordance with the age group that they fall into.

If you are a sufferer of fibromyalgia and find yourself unable to continue work, it is important that you consider your eligibility for SSA benefits.

Source: Mayo Clinic, “Fibromyalgia,” accessed March 30, 2018