Heart failure, which also goes by the name of congestive heart failure, develops when the muscles surrounding the heart fail to operate at full capacity to pump blood throughout the body efficiently.
Narrowed arteries and/or high blood pressure contribute to the potentially devastating disease as well.
The result is a weakened heart that produces several symptoms such as chronic fatigue and persistent shortness of breath.
Although patients can reverse the adverse side effects of heart failure, the condition often forces employees to either reduce work hours or leave the workforce.
Fortunately, a federal safety net program helps American workers recoup the financial damaged\s caused by the loss of employment income.
Turn to the Social Security Administration
As the federal government agency that runs the Social Security retirement benefits program, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is also responsible for managing a safety net program that provides disabled workers with financial benefits.
If you suffer from heart failure, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can pay for daily living expenses, as well as the costs associated with treating and rehabilitating the disease.
Qualifying for SSDI benefits for heart failure requires workers to submit an application that details the extent of the disease and the amount of money lost because of the inability to work.
The SSA publishes a manual called the Blue Book that lists every qualifying medical condition for receiving SSDI benefits.
For heart failure, you have to meet the SSA symptoms standards for heart failure that are published in the Blue Book. Some of the recognized symptoms of heart failure include acute fatigue and the inability to maintain proper strength.
Are You Still eligible for Medicare Benefits?
When you turn 65 and you receive SSDI benefits, are you eligible to enroll in the Medicare health insurance system?
The answer is yes, but only after you wait two years.
Americans suffering from heart failure often undergo a prolonged period of recovery by participating in extensive rehabilitation programs.
Since SSDI benefits pay for all medical costs associated with an SSA-approved disease, federal law delays the reception of Medicare health insurance payments.
However, you can use the health insurance program offered by a former employer to fill in the financial gaps left by SSDI financial benefits.
Returning to Work after Recovering from Heart Failure
SSDI represents a transitional federal program that helps recipients return to work in a seamless manner.
One of the return to work programs is called Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), which helps disable workers return to the American workforce.
PASS assists American workers by allocating financial resources to gain the job skills needed to perform job duties.
Recovering from heart failure can take years to accomplish. In the interim, technology changes at a rapid pace to leave disabled workers behind in terms of job skills.
PASS also helps disabled workers learn job skills for a different occupation. For example, a HVAC contractor might need to work a less physically stressful job in another occupational niche.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
Receiving a diagnosis for heart failure requires undergoing a large number of diagnostic tests. To determine whether the diagnostic tests clearly prove the existence of heart failure, you should request a free case evaluation administered by an experienced Social Security lawyer. Your attorney can also walk you through the SSDI application process to ensure you present the most persuasive medical evidence.
