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Multiple Sclerosis

Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal LPA /  SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY /  Qualifying /  Multiple Sclerosis
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Disability FAQs 

How Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits with MS in Ohio?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has dozens of possible symptoms, and they can vary widely in severity. One person might be able to hold down a job if they’re only experiencing mild fatigue and occasional difficulty walking. Another might find it impossible to continue working with severe muscle spasms and dizziness.

If your MS is preventing you from working, you’re dealing with a growing set of problems.

You need medical care, but you lost your insurance when you lost your job. Without an income, you worry about how long you’ll be able to pay your bills and keep a roof over your head. You might have a family that counts on you for support.

Getting monthly checks from Social Security Disability, and qualifying for the Medicare coverage that comes with it, could free you to focus on your health. But the process is anything but simple and most first-time applicants are denied.

The Ohio disability lawyers at Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal have the experience to guide you through.

We’ve helped thousands of people in Ohio for more than 40 years, including people with multiple sclerosis.

You can be the next to say, “Helping me, that’s HNB.”

Contact Us Today!  Contact Us Today! 

    How Do I Prove My Multiple Sclerosis Qualifies for Disability?

    The key to proving your claim for disability benefits for multiple sclerosis is documenting symptoms that limit your daily activities.

    According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS symptoms are variable and unpredictable. While one person might experience only one or two of the symptoms, someone else might experience many.

    Some of the more common symptoms of MS include:

    • Tightness around the torso known as the “MS hug”
    • Walking difficulties
    • Problems with vision
    • Bladder or bowel problems
    • Stiffness
    • Involuntary muscle spasms, usually in the legs
    • Weakness or fatigue
    • Dizziness
    • Emotional changes

    Less commonly, people with MS experience problems with speech, swallowing, breathing, seizure, loss of taste, hearing loss and tremors.

    The differences between cases of MS creates a challenge in winning disability benefits. It’s a complicated condition that claims examiners struggle to assess. The bottom line is that your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working.
    To qualify for benefits with MS, Social Security says it will look for either:
    A. “Disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities.”
    OR
    B. “Marked limitation in physical functioning” plus struggles in one of these areas:

    • Processing information
    • Interacting with people
    • Concentrating and keeping up with tasks
    • Regulating emotions, controlling behavior and taking care of yourself in a work setting

    It’s difficult to keep up with all the medical terms and Social Security rules that apply to your disability application. You can get a disability attorney from HNB Law to review your situation and let you know your options—FOR FREE.

    GET MY FREE CONSULTATION! 

    Will Earning a Small Amount Each Month Disqualify Me for Disability Benefits?

    Depending on the specifics of your case of MS, you might consider working a little to bring in some much-needed cash. But you have to be careful, because disability benefits are designed for people who can’t work, so working could jeopardize your claim.

    When determining whether your income might disqualify you from receiving SSD benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at what they call your “substantial gainful activity” (SGA).

    In 2022, you could earn $1,350 or less per month and SSA wouldn’t consider that too much. You would be eligible for disability benefits if you’ve been working below the SGA level for 12 months, or if you can show that you won’t be able to work for at least one year.

    If you start working at or above the SGA level after your disability application has been approved, Social Security can stop sending your monthly benefit checks.

    When you’re struggling with multiple sclerosis, you might not have the energy to gather all the necessary evidence to support your case.

    Let HNB do the legwork for you.

    Our mission is to help our neighbors in Ohio during hard times, so instead of fighting with forms, documents, government hassles, and paying your bills, you can concentrate on living your life to the fullest.

    Call HNB Now!