If you have symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, you may be able to get disability benefits.

PsA can cause swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Symptoms vary from person to person.

There is no cure for symptoms, and there are remedies that can help. If left unaddressed, PsA can cause long-term damage to your joints and can affect your ability to complete everyday activities.

If your symptoms are making it difficult for you to perform at your job, you may be able to get disability benefits.

You need to know how to qualify for disability programs and how to get insurance.

If PsA affects your job performance, it can be considered a disability. This may be dependent on the severity of the disease.

A 2016 study found that around 1 in 3 people diagnosed with PsA missed work in the last year because of their symptoms. A similar number of people said the condition affected their ability to work a full-time job.

A rheumatologist can help with the treatment of PsA.

This treatment plan can help you make some changes in the workplace.

  • Using a headset.
  • Putting arthritis-friendly grips on writing instruments.
  • Keeping items close by.
  • You can use an ergonomics setup for your desk and chair.
  • Taking breaks to move.

Up to 30 percent of people diagnosed with PsA say the disease has impacted their ability to get and keep a job. If you find you’re unable to work due to your condition, you may qualify for certain disability benefits programs.

The US government runs programs that help people with disabilities.

  • Social Security. The disability insurance program through Social Security provides benefits to people with disabilities who worked long enough within a certain period of time. The exact requirements to qualify will depend on your age. The amount you receive is based on your lifetime average earnings.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program provides cash assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. As of 2022, a person who qualifies for the program can receive up to $841 per month from the federal government. Some states also offer a supplemental amount to people who meet certain qualifications.

The medical requirements for adults are the same as for children. You will need to show that the disability makes you unable to work.

You can apply for a job if PsA makes it difficult to do. You will need to show that PsA will prevent you from working for at least a year before you can apply for a disability.

More information on qualifying for Social Security and SSI with a PsA disability can be found in the Immune System Disorders or the Musculoskeletal System sections of the government’s Disability Evaluation Under Social Security guidelines.

Getting approved for disability benefits can be a lengthy and difficult process. It typically takes more than 3 months to receive a decision, but it can take up to 2 years in some cases.

You can call Social Security or visit a local office to begin the process. You will need to provide a range of personal information.

  • Birthday and place of birth.
  • If there is any information about marriage or divorce.
  • If you have any names or birthdates of your children, please let me know.
  • For this year and the 2 years prior, you have your work and salary history.
  • You have held jobs for the last 15 years.
  • The disability affected your ability to work.
  • education
  • Medical records include information on your doctors, tests, and treatments.
  • The bank account details.

Review the Social Security Administration’s Checklist for Online Adult Disability Application for a full list of information you’ll need. You may be asked to submit documents to prove the claims on your application, such as W-2 forms, tax returns, birth certificate, and pay stubs.

Also be prepared to submit medical evidence, like doctors’ reports and test results, as well as an Adult Disability Report. Work with the doctor who treats your PsA to get the right documentation for the disability claim.

People who apply for disability benefits are denied first. If that happens to you, you can ask the Social Security Administration to review your case.

You can work with a lawyer to help with the process. This may increase your chance of success.

Private insurance policies may cover PsA-related disability claims. There are two types of insurance.

  • Short-term policies. This type of disability insurance typically offers benefits for a few months to a year, but some may provide payments for up to 2 years.
  • Long-term policies. These programs generally offer benefit payments for a few years, or until you no longer have a disability.

Many employers give their staff disability insurance policies. You should check with your human resources department to find out how to file a claim for PsA-related disability.

You can buy your own policy. Make sure you read the fine print when shopping.

  • The policy defines disability.
  • The benefits would start after a claim is approved.
  • How long do benefits last?
  • The amount you would get from the policy.

“If you can’t work due to a PsA-related disability, you may be able to get benefits from the government or private insurance policy. The paperwork should be started by your doctor.”

Getting approved for disability benefits can be a lengthy process. As you work through it, seek additional guidance from doctors, social workers, counselors, attorneys, local hospitals, and support groups.