When you picture someone with a disability, you may think of a person who uses a wheelchair or another mobility device. But many health conditions fall under the category of disability. It depends on how much the condition impacts your daily life and your ability to work and earn a living.

Obesity may be considered a disability in some cases, but not always. Each situation is unique. A case worker needs to review your application to decide if you’re eligible for benefits.

If obesity is keeping you from earning money, there are various programs available to help you make ends meet. Keep reading for more information about how to apply for disability and your chances of qualifying.

What Qualifies as a Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses five questions to decide if someone has a disability. These questions are used for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is a monthly payment for people who can’t work anymore because of their health. The questions are:

• Are you working?
• Is your condition severe?
• Is your condition on the list of disabling conditions?
• Can you do the type of work you did before?
• Can you do another type of work?

SSDI is meant for people who have a long-term condition (lasting a year or longer) that keeps them from working. To receive this benefit, your work history must include jobs that were covered by Social Security. If approved, the amount of money you receive is based on your work credits. Work credits are based on how much money you earned when you were working.

Is Obesity Classified as a Disability?

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t list specific conditions that you must have in order to qualify for disability. Instead, you must have a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities like walking, breathing, working, or any other activity that is needed to function in everyday life.

Typically, obesity itself isn’t considered a disability. But that doesn’t necessarily mean someone with obesity won’t qualify for disability protection or benefits. Although obesity isn’t considered a standalone disability, it could be related to other conditions that are. After all, obesity is a complex disease that affects more than just your body mass index (BMI).

For example, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and type 2 diabetes are potentially disabling conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration. These conditions may be linked to obesity. The same is true for certain forms of heart disease, mobility issues, and breathing problems.

Disabling conditions are more common for people with class 3 obesity (also called severe obesity). That said, some people with class 3 obesity continue to work, and others may change to a different type of job or work environment.

If you feel obesity is keeping you out of work, it’s helpful to think about what specific challenges you’re facing related to obesity. The Social Security Administration will consider a combination of factors to see if obesity contributes to your inability to work. Ultimately, eligibility is based on how much obesity and any related conditions interfere with job functions. Lab results, symptoms like pain and fatigue, and impairments caused by obesity (like trouble breathing) are all factored into your application for benefits.

Work Accommodations for People With Obesity

Some people who have obesity may seek work accommodations. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) outlines how employers can help workers with obesity be successful in their jobs. For instance, employers may provide a janitor with a ladder that’s made to hold a higher weight. Another example is purchasing a second airplane seat for an employee who has to travel for work. If you are facing limitations at your job related to obesity, discuss these challenges with your employer.

How Can You Apply for SSDI Benefits?

You can apply for SSDI online, over the phone, or in person. It takes about an hour to complete the application in person. Collecting the information you need ahead of time will make the application process smoother. This information includes:

• Information about the healthcare providers you’ve been seeing, including the dates of your appointments and providers’ names, addresses, and phone numbers
• The dose and type of medications you take
• Medical evidence, including medical records and any lab test results
• Your work history (including the type of work and your employer’s name)
• Your latest W2 or federal tax return

You’ll get a letter in the mail or a phone call once there’s a decision about your case. There’s usually at least a six-month waiting period from the time you apply for benefits until you receive your first check, so it’s crucial to apply for benefits as soon as you know you can’t work.

Appealing a Rejected Disability Claim

People don’t always get approved for benefits the first time they apply, especially for a condition like obesity that isn’t listed explicitly as a disability. If you get denied, you can file an appeal.

There are four steps to appealing your claim. The first step is to ask the Social Security Administration to reconsider their initial decision. Next, you can request a hearing with a judge. If the judge doesn’t rule in your favor, you can ask the Appeals Council to review your case. The last step is to file with a U.S. District Court. Speaking with a social worker or disability lawyer can help you understand the process and get support to build your case.

Other Assistance Programs

If you don’t qualify for SSDI, there may be other assistance programs that can help. People who don’t have a work history can still apply to receive money if they have a disability. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) isn’t tied to your past work. It’s a different program for people with little or no money coming in.

To learn more about assistance programs, use the government’s free online benefit finder. After answering some questions, it’ll tell you which programs could be available to you. You can also check out specific programs available in your state. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is a group that helps advocate for people with obesity. They have a list of resources by state on their website.

Depending on where you live, you may have access to obesity prevention programs, health insurance resources, assistance buying food or paying for housing, and help making changes at your current job or getting a different job. Obesity impacts people in different ways. If you need help, reach out and find the support you need to make your life better.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam, more than 56,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Have you tried applying for Social Security disability benefits for obesity or other medical conditions? What was the process like? Share your experience in the comments below or on your Activities page.