Fibromyalgia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Social Security Disability
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CF) are characterized by extreme exhaustion, very poor stamina and problems with short-term memory and concentration. Other symptoms may include severe joint and muscle pain, tender lymph nodes, unrefreshing sleep, headaches and a sore throat.
If you feel you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and should be receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, call Freedom Disability Services today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our professional disability Advocates. Our Advocates can help determine if your condition is likely to result in a successful SSDI application. If you do qualify, we can provide you with the assistance that you need to get the benefits that you deserve. If you have previously been denied benefits, but feel your condition makes you eligible, contact us today at (866) 761-5942.
Claimants applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are typically approved when their symptoms include at least one of the following:
- Chronic pain throughout your body for no apparent reason. This pain includes joint pain, muscular aching or throbbing, and shooting and stabbing pains
- Extreme stiffness throughout the body upon waking in the morning
- Inability to sit or stand for an extended period of time
- Inability to lift more than a few pounds of weight
- Inability to remember small things or concentrate for long enough to complete simple tasks
- Unrefreshing sleep or the need for frequent naps during the day Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation, frequent abdominal pain, nausea
- Inability to work for at least twelve consecutive months due to your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia
- Inability to perform new work due to your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia
If you believe your Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) qualifies you for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, call Freedom Disability Services today at (866) 761-5942 to speak with one of our trained Advocates. Our Advocates have extensive experience in submitting Fibromyalgia and CFS applications and will assist you in collecting all the necessary medical paperwork to fully support your claim. Both Fibromyalgia and CFS are challenging conditions on which to base a disability claim. Our experts can help ensure that you have completed a thorough application fully supporting your claim for benefits.
If you have previously been denied benefits, but still feel your condition makes you eligible, please contact us today and let us help you with your appeal. At Freedom we are the Social Security experts, so call us as soon as possible and begin the process to receiving the benefits you deserve.
The foregoing information is based on published materials from the Social Security Administration (“Disability Evaluation Under Social Security”). It is meant to serve as an introduction to some of the factors used by the SSA in evaluating cases. It is no way comprehensive. While Freedom Disability Services can help you prepare an effective application for benefits, only the SSA can determine whether or not you qualify. For more information call Freedom today at (866) 761-5942.
I applied for disability the first time in 2006 and the second time in 2007, I was denied both times. I filled out the papers for the hearing but never turned them in.I was afraid I just couldn’t. I got my regular update from social security and it said I no longer have enough credits to receive disability.When I applied I wrote that I have Fibromyalgia, arthritis in both knees,progressive poly-neuropathy,osteo-arthritis,degenerative disc disease and my doctor is pleading with me to get an MRI of my lower back.4 buldging discs,osteoporosis,hepatitis c,I have been told by 3 different doctors to be checked for glacoma.Ihave been begging for medicaid up until my vehicle was stolen about 2 years ago and all they would tell me was when Social Security made there discison they would go along with them.Can I get SSI I need my eyes checked and a MRI on my back. I need to be checked for Diabetes and Thyroid. I also told them I have acute anxiety,severe depression,panic attacks and Borderline Personality Disorder.I have not worked since Feb.2006 except on 2 different occasions I trained at Vocational Rehabilitation and I’m thinking of going back again. Can you help me
Denise,
I’m sorry you didn’t get approved for SSDI back when you still had the work credits required. You certainly have conditions that could be deemed disabling to get SSI. However, you must meet the income criteria to be eligible for SSI. Click here to read our article about SSI. If you think you may qualify, your local Social Security office can help you further.
The paragon of understanding these issues is right here!
I am a 55 yr. old female, who previously have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. In the past, i have been treated with medications and shots to my neck and lower back. I applied for disability and of course, was denied. I have not worked in the past 5 yrs. because my condition has progressively gotten worse. I have bad pain in my right hip, shoulder, elbows, feet, and right knee. Also, my wrists and hands. When i arise in the morning, my feet are so tender it hurts to walk on them. I stopped going to the doctor because i was so upset that no one seemed to listen. But, i have scheduled an appointment to return, because the pain is affecting my sleep, energy, and even my desire to do daily chores. I want to get the shots in hopes that they will help somewhat. This has been going on for years. What will i need to do to prove this to social security?
Vernell,
You have to be able to demonstrate to Social Security that your condition has affected your functionality to such an extent that you can’t work at any job. There are several articles on this Web site that explains the importance of medical proof as well as having enough work credits to be insured for benefits, and so on. It would be worth it to call in to talk to an Eligibility Consultant here to discuss your options. Please call 866-347-2910. This article, “How We Help Our Claimants Tell Their Disability Story to SSA” may be of particular interest to you.
Sadly I tried it all myself, thinking I could do it on my own, unfortunately denied til the end! Which leaves me to go to civil action. I have less than a week to file and it looks like I’m gonna lose out on 3 years of waiting! I have fibromyalgia, ddd in lower back ad neck with arthritis, chronic fatigue, chronic headaches and the long list of other issues. Unfornately I only have county medical with limited usage. I have sleep issues etc. So basically I’m going to lose out and I haven’t worked In 10 years bc of all this! So a chance I reapply and they can say I don’t have enough credits? I am guessing it’s to late for any help wig a civil? I’m at a loss I was an idiot thinking I could do it on my own!
I am running out of time to find money to survive. I moved to a state that does not have emergency medical for people my age. I am two yrs short of being eligible for medicare or Medicaid. I was just told that the fact that I left WA state for ID state I have to start all over again & have lost all the past months of waiting for a determination. My husband is here in the nursing home because he is slowly dying. He wanted to be with our daughter & grandson so here we are. I suffer from constant pain from Fibromyalgia, COPD Just had renal cell cancer. But unless I put myself into an assisted living home I have noplace to go. It states that I am able to get SSI or SSDI but unless something comes of it soon I am not sure what I am going to do. I can not afford to hire someone to do this for me. also owe so much borrowed money out just to make it this far. Our daughter is not able to assist me without putting herself in dire straights financially. So how can an advocate help & still leave me enough to live on.
Carla,
If you get the help of a non-attorney advocate or attorney, if you won your case SSA calculates a one-time-only fee of 25 percent of the retroactive amount due you from the date of your disability. After that, you get your monthly benefits guaranteed. No one gets more than $6,000 of a retro fee so be sure that if you choose an attorney there are no other costs involved. There shouldn’t be. Please read our “What is the Cost?” article to better understand how fees are calculated.
Carla,
Before you read the following response, I want you to know that from the day you file for SSDI benefits, and it can take years–however, once approved, you will receive a retro lump sum from the date you applied. So, for instance, if you initially filed 3 years ago, you would receive a huge lump sum, and it may be way over $6000K. Any lawyer who takes your case is only allowed to subtract a certain fee from that lump sum. I don’t know what ID offers, but each state has programs in place to help those in need, while you are suffering. You just need to find them, usually through the local Salvation Army, or any church, even if you’re not a member.
If you choose to hire a lawyer, YOU, who are the disabled, is protected by law, so be informed that lawyers can only collect a flat fee, UPON THE APPROVAL of your SSDI claim, so don’t let anybody take advantage of you., and don’t fall for the “we have to cover our paper/phone/mail costs. Most people are denied on their first application, unless hospitalized for suicide. Keep appealing, and also check with local hospitals to help you. There are also people who are funded by grants that can help you. Just google “grants/people who fund SSDI approvals,” or something like that.
My experience with SSDI was not a negative experience. And I did not have an atty. I have more difficulty working with unemployment people. I am on SSDI for several reasons, one of which is I can’t keep a job longer than 7 months. Weird, but it’s my mental health cycle. But keep trying, keep appealing, and keep seeing your doctors, cause SSDI will want to see all
your visits. Good Luck to you. Also, ask the hospital that your doctors are affiliated with, and ask for a caseworker, who are educated in helping people…and you’d be surprised how they can help you…but YOU have to ask.
You
I have fibromyalgia.i was just denied benenfits.i can’t take medications for this condition because i’am allergic to most medicines.i have depression but can’t take medicine for that either.i work 20 hours a week because i get to depressed sitting around the house and have terrible thoughts.i get no relief from pain and i can hardly walk after working.i just don’t know where to turn.is there any help for me?
Carol,
If you just got denied the first time you should pursue an appeal. You only have 60 days to submit a request for reconsideration. It is highly advisable that you get the help of a professional disability advocate to prepare a stronger case for you. Please call in to an Eligibility Consultant at 866-347-2910 for more guidance on your next steps to getting disabilty benefits.
I have fibromyalgia for more than ten years now. I was denied twice for disability benefits. I didn’t work for 2 years because of the pain and stiffness that i have thoughout my entire body. I also was dignosed with type II diabetes about 4 to 5 years ago. So now i have severe pain in my legs, neck and shoulders. I set sometimes and cry due to the pain. I had to go back to work to afford my medication, so i work about 25 hours a week. I am usually so exhausted when my day is done, that i can hardly get to the car, let alone drive. My life is affected by fibromyalgia a great deal. I am extremely tired most of the time. I would love to have your help on this.
June,
We would like to help you. We will try contacting you, or you can call 866-347-2910 to talk to an Eligibility Consultant.
Fibro has been a challenge for most people filing for Fibro. However, the state
of Florida has a high percentage of people approved for SSDI for this condition.
In fact, there is a movement for the medical/psychological communities to accept this as a legitimate disease, so that people can receive medical benefits.
I have been diagnosed with Fibromayalga by my primary care doctor, my pain specialist & my rhumotologist. i am getting ready to retire in August becasue the fibro pain is toomuch to bare. I have OA in my hips, neck, & spin. i also have Edema and cant sit for long due to severe swelling. I plan on retiring in August and applying for my Social Security Disablity i am 57 yrs old and has pain into SS for over 42 years. Now I need help because i can not sit due to the Fibro pain and the selling of my legs and joints. Freedom Disability i need help and hope you are the ones to get me approved.
Hi Tina,
It looks like Freedom Disability will be able to help you, however we do require that you are out of work for at least 4 months before we can assist you. Once you have been out of work for this period of time, please give us a call at 866-761-5942.This is a free consultation, and will give you some more information on what your next steps should be. Thank you.
I live in IL. near St. Louis MO. I filed on my own in Sept of 2009 and then contacted an advocate a friend of mine told me about so they took things over. I was denied twice and they did my appeal so now my file with my medical records is sitting on someone”s desk in St. Louis where I am awaiting a hearing. With my Fibromyalgia I have all except maybe one of the qualifying symptoms. With medical records from my Rhematologist. I also have records from my psychiatrist showing my depression and anxiety. All my paperwork was filed. They say in June 2010 is when they sent the file over.
We do not qualify for assistance because my husband works. But we lived on two paychecks. I have had my electric shut off so many times that they are making me pay a hefty deposit which they have divided up and put on my monthly bill with what we owe for the month. The portion of the deposit is more then my monthly charge. I could buy a nice car for what they require me to pay every month just to keep the lights on.
I have had 2 foreclosure letters so far and we have sold most everything we have of value just to keep us two months behind on the mortgage. AlsupMy advocate has sent this info over to try and speed things up a little in my case. Thank God I do not have Ca or something that would get me taken care of immediately. They tell me it could be 14 months and I read that SSA hired all these new people and opened up this new office to help with the backlog in St. Louis. So with that they updated the time line. Now it could take up to 15 months. Go figure.
I just want to know that if they are so back logged and with all the unemployment. Why don’t they hire even more people to the backlog. A person should not have to have a terminal disease or be paralyzed to get benefits.
Thank you for listening.I am just so frustrated.
i am currently working part time but the amount of time i can work is continuing to decrease. i am down to around 15 hrs per week. this is due to Fibramyalgia, arthritis and dupuytren’s contracture. My work requres typing on a computer and posting for a medical office. I do all the charge and payment posting. My hands are swollen and I am exhausted. I am considering quitting work but am afraid I will not receive disablity if i do and my employer pays my insurance premiums. I will not have insurance until i get disablility and I need my medical insurance due to my medical problems. Can i file for benefits if I have not been out of work a year?
Judy,
You can file for disability if your substantial gainful activity (SGA) is no more than $1,000 a month. One of the criteria for proving disability is that your medical condition is so severe it is preventing you from working at any job to earn SGA and is expected to interfere with your ability to work for a year or longer or, for the most severe conditions, result in death. Your age and education are also factors in proving disability. You may not be able to do your current work, but, depending on age and education, SSA may find that you could retrain for something else. The process to prove disability is very complicated. Before you make any decisions it is advisable to talk to one of our Eligibility Consultants who can assess your situation and guide you better on a course of action. If interested, please call 866-347-2910. Our article on how SSA uses vocational guidelines to prove disability may be helpful to you too.
My problem is i’m only 25 years old and have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I’m afraid with my age that they will deny my right away, and I don’t really want or need anymore stress to find out that i’m to young. Do you know if they would deny me just because of my age?
Tara,
Your age is certainly a factor. Your condition would have to be so severe it could result in death. To be considered disabled you would have to be unable to perform any kind of work and be unable to train for any work. You might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is a needs-based program for people with low income and resources and a qualifying disability. But realize that the longer you pay into Social Security through work the greater your benefit will be when you’re older. Also, please read our article about how SSA factors age and other vocational guidelines into determining eligiblity.
I am in about the same situation as Tara, I am only 32 and I am not sure that they would consider me for any kind help that they will deny me because of my age. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, osteo-arthritis, depression, I have constant pains in my joints and muscles, my feet, ankles & hands stay swollen, along with the pains in my neck and back, recently my toe has went numb feeling like it is constantly asleep, not much feeling there at all. I don’t sleep but maybe an hour to 2 hours a night if that. The meds that the dr prescribes may work for the first few days and then it’s over with. I recently saw an article in our local newspaper on a chiropractor that was doing a special on Fibromyalgia, I have another appointment in the morning, if he doesn’t take me as a patient or think that he can help me where do I go from here. I can’t afford $600-$700 for the rhuematologist, I’ve already went once and the meds aren’t helping so I feel like a wasted alot of time and money for no relief what so ever. I live in Ga and they are saying that I would have to quit my job in order to get help, I have a five yr old I can’t afford to quit but I am struggling to do my job and most days I have to help with it. My boss is very understanding about my condition, so I am still able to keep my job for now, but I’m not sure how much longer he will let me stay here if I don’t get it together and do my job as I should. I can’t concentrate on what I should be doing, I’ve been with the same company for 7yrs. and I have always been able to do my job, but it’s to the point that I’m not sure if I can keep going in this condition. Any suggestions as to what I should do?
I’ve had a painful condition called Occipital Neuralgia for 7 years. It has progressed and I’ve been on STD on and off for most of this year. I’ve had many surgeries and have an implanted neurostimulator. Between the pain and the strong medications, I’m barely holding on. I don’t see my condition listed on any impairment list. Can you help?
Tom,
The list of conditions are the ones that Social Security has identified as definitely meeting their strict definition of disability, which is the condition is severe enough to prohibit the ability to work at any job, is expected to last a year or longer, or may result in death.. Even if your condition is not listed, if you can medically prove that you can no longer work at any job, and if you have the work history criteria necessary to be insured for benefits, you should apply for disability. However, it is a difficult process. If you think you want pursue SS disability benefits, I strongly advised that you call in to talk to one of our Eligiblity Consultants at 866-347-2910 for help.
Hi – I’m confused. Your list of Blue Book Immune System Disorders lists Fibromyalgia & CFS as being included. When I look at the Social Security’s website, their Blue Book does not include Fibromyalgia & CFS. Is this a new development &/or addition to the Blue Book?? Thank you
Vicki,
It is true that SSA does not list fibromyalgia in their Blue Book, but we have included this condition because it is one that can severely interfere with a person’s ability to work. Claims for people who have this condition can be won if it can be proven that they cannot work at any job. SSA will use a five-step process for determining disability. . Most importantly, it is highly advisable to get the help of a disability expert who knows how to build a strong case to support why you can’t work.
Hello, I am in NC. I applied for ssdi in sept 09 and was turned down, went before a judge was denied, and now am in the appeals council stage waiting for their decision. I have an attorney handling the first claim who does not seem to be really actively pursuing my claim for me. At the last denial of the judge i was told to submit a new application for ssdi, which I did and the attorney is not representing me on this claim because they are still working on the first claim. they say they will once i complete the paperwork agreeing to pay them etc. before I do that I want to see if there is someone else who can assist me who is more knowledgable and helpful regarding my situation. I have fibromyalgia, arthiritis in my neck and upper back, degenerative disc disease in my upper and lower back, fatique, depression, scoliosis and herniated disc at the c5/c6 level that has caused severe numbness in my left hand (ring and pinky finger). I recieved the letter the other day denying my claim because they say although they realize i am disable they still think that i can work some type of job. prior to me going out of work, i worked at a desk, sitting still 8 hours a day behind a computer. not hard work at all, so i am unsure what they think i am capable of doing since i could not even do that!!! i have no insurance, but prior to me losing insurance i had cat scans, mri and xrays with a rheumatologist that confirmed my conditions. now i can not afford medical treatment nor medications. i have went to the free clinic and gotten depression meds, but they don’t give meds for treatment of my other issues. i am 37 years old, have over 17 plus years work experience working for the state of nc as a correctional officer and correctional case manager. i feel they do not want to approve me because of my age, and because of the amount they would have to pay me each month. i really need help and hope you can be of assistance.
Im in Tn and I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, rhumetoid arthritis, scholiosis, IBS, anxiety and depression, migrains, bulging disks, pinched nerves, memory loss, and there are times Im confined even to a wheelchair, ect…I have applied for disability and they tell me that my husband makes too much money at 34,000 yr, I have a 17 yr old son and 18 yr old son in whom we provide 90% of their income because there are no jobs right now. They have also told me I don’t have enough work credits. I have worked for more than 5 yrs but I did not make at least 5000 for the whole time ( only 3 yrs) I am no longer able to work and have not worked for almost 4 yrs because of the pain. Most days Im bed ridden because the pain is just too much. Im on several different meds but to no avail. Am I wasting my time trying to find a lawyer? We definatly need some kind of help because our bills continue to pile up on us. We have considered bankruptcy but we have really good credit and dont know if we really want to do that. We will have to if we can’t get some help soon. I can provide any info that you may need but I just need to know if Im wasting my time with SSI or Disability. Please reply as soon as possible. Thank you for your time.
Aimee,
So sorry about your situation. Both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) follow strict eligibility rules. Even if you have a severe medical condtion that prevents you from working, and you are found to be medically disabled, if you do not meet specific eligibility requirements for either program, you do not qualify. SSI is a needs-based program for people with disabilities who have very low income and resources. There is a specific threshold you must meet to be eligible. From what you say, it sounds like your combined income and resources are higher than the eligibility requirements. No legal action can change this requirement in your favor. SSDI eligibility is based on your work history. You must have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes throughout your lifetime, and, if you are over 31 years of age, the onset of your disability had to have occurred while still insured for disability benefits. If you have five years worth of work credits within the last ten years and onset occurred within that time, you would be insured for benefits. It appears that you do not meet the work history requirement. There is no way to bend this rule unless you were to work to build up your credits to meet that requirement. Keep in mind, that how much you earn and pay into Social Security in your lifetime determines how much your benefit wil be. Perhaps a financial planner could help you figure out what to do. Also there may be Social Services in your area that can help. Otherwise, from what you describe, unfortunately you don’t seem to qualify for these federal programs.
Suzanna Laker, January 9, 2012
After reading all of the previous testamonials, I find myself being very conservative in confiding all of my health conditions I feel make me eligable for SSDI benifits. I am working but only by forcing myself to continue putting one foot in front of the other. I am open for any advise or suggestions. Thank you for your time.
I have fibromyalgia and occipital neuralgia. I am trying to continue to work, but it has become very difficult with the headaches and pain. Do I have to stop working before I apply for disability?
Hi Pat,
Freedom Disability requires you to be out of work for at least 4 months before we can assit you with your case. If you are currently working, your earnings will be evaluated. If your monthly earnings are more than the current monthly allowance determined by SSA (which right now is over $1,000) you will typically not be considered disabled.
I am 34, was told I have fibromyalgia, type II diabeties, hyperthyriodism, high blood pressure, acute migrains,and something is wrong with my back. I have not been able to work since I lost my job in 2006 due to illness after illness and things just keep getting worse. I was without insurance from 2006 until 2010 when we had to move from TN to IL where I was able to get on medicaid along with my husband. I did not know weither or not I could even apply for SSDI or SSI benifits. Is there even a chance after this long of a wait for me to try to apply?
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 12 years ago. The recommendation at that time was to use heat, anti-inflammatory medications and get regular massages. Since then, I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, ADD (mild) and hardening of the arteries in my brain. I have had depression for 20+ years. I also have type 2 diabetes which has so far been controlled by diet. I am on medication or receive treatment for everything but the IBS (diet) and ADD. I have been a RN for 35 years. I was let go from my last job because of errors in judgement due to developing problems with memory loss, concentration problems and difficulty making decisions. I have retired from nursing due to those problems. I cannot stand or sit for very long because of the stiffness of fibro. I worked a tempoary job in April where I was able to sit and move around as necessary. Because my background has only been in nursing, I am having difficulty finding a job that does not require much physical activity or concentration. I am thankful that my problems are not nearly as bad as some people, but I still cannot work at the job I was trained to do. I am extremely fatigued and much activity is very difficult for me. Would my health problems meet the requirements of disability?
Melody,
Freedom Disability may be able to assist you. I would recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask you a few questions regarding your current health conditions and past work history to determine your eligibility for our assistance. I hope you’ll give us a call at 866-761-5942. Good luck.
I am receiving a combined VA disability rating of 90% for multiple things: Fibromyalgia (40%); IBS (30%); (10%); Depression – Secondary to the Fibro (30%); Headaches – secondary to the Fibro (0%); and Hysterectomy (50%). I went from originally 10% to 30% to 70% to now 90% – and did all of this on my own – with no lawyers or help. I had all my active duty medical records to reference and requested medical records from my civilian doctors. I’m currently in the process of trying to claim 100% Disability due to Unemployability. My case should be determined within the next couple of months. My question is for Social Security Disability. I know I can receive both VA Disability AND SSDI. My problem is that I’ve been going to the VA for ALL of my medical issues since 2008 (4 years now). I haven’t had insurance to pay for civilian doctors so I use the VA. I haven’t worked since Dec 2009. I want to claim SSDI – but don’t know what I would need to submit as proof. All my civilian doctor statements are over 4 years old. Trying to get the VA paperwork seems daunting. Is it possible to do this?
Janice,
You can apply for SSDI and they will request the records directly from the VA hospital where she has been treating. It does not have to be through a civilian doctor. Good luck.
Hi I am a 42 year old male who has suffered from Manic Deppresion, Bi- Polarand Panics for mosy my life. I have been diagnosed recently with Fibro to top it all of. I was let go at my last job Dec. 2012 and recieving unemployment. I have been in and out of many Mental Hospitals and even had ECT treatments 11 yrs ago. I am on a cocktail of meds now and I just do not elieve I can ever go back to work aain. It is hard enough just to make it through the day
I applied for ssdi about 11 years ago by myself and even after all the medical refereces I had they turned me down. I never appealed the descion and I went back to work as computer professional. I am now at my wits end and do not know what else to do. My wife makes 27k per yr I have no children and live in South Florida, I read all the horror stories of people not getting approved. Do you think you can help me?
Paul,
Freedom Disability may be able to assist you. I would recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask you a few questions regarding your current health conditions and past work history to determine your eligibility for our assistance. Don’t try and apply on your onwn, if we are able to assist, it will be a pleasure to help you. I hope you’ll give us a call at 866-761-5942. Good luck!