What a shock. You were not feeling very good; your achiness had you popping aspirin, you were always tired and even ran a low-grade fever from time to time. Finally you decided to see your doctor, and, after many tests and visits, you were diagnosed with an autoimmune disease like Addison’s, multiple sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis or reactive arthritis.

Now what? Can you continue to work? How will the bills get paid if you can’t?

Your productive working life is not necessarily over because of your diagnosis. Even though an autoimmune disorder is chronic, many people do stay in the work force for years. The law guarantees you this right and the right to accommodations in your workplace. Here are a few examples of accommodations you can request:
  • Retraining to new skills allowing you to continue working. For instance, if you originally stocked a warehouse, you could be retrained to do the paperwork in the same location. 
  • Asking for a work schedule that allows you to work at your best times of day and days of the week. 
  • Adapting your workspace to accommodate any special equipment you might need. Also, providing things like pencil sharpeners so you do not have to cross the room to use them, or locating your desk near the copy machine if you use it a lot. 


Many people successfully continue to work for a long time with an autoimmune disease, but if you reach the point where you just can’t keep it up, you also have a right to apply for Social Security Administration disability benefits. You have been paying into the system through your W2 payroll taxes since you started working.
 

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

John L. Keefe
John L. Keefe
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Founding Attorney, Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyer
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Pamela Nash 11/02/2016 10:05 PM
I have had sarcoidosis since 2010 and I work as a teachers aide. Up until recently I've been okay working, but I'm finding it harder and harder to function daily. I have had my c4-c5-c6 and l4-l5-s1 fused due to severe degenerative disc disease and am in severe pain every hour of the day. Can I get disability and what do I put on the question about work if I am still working because I have to for insurance?
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Shawna Blevins 05/23/2018 11:15 PM
I have mixed connective tissue disease I was doing full time housekeeping and cooking breakfast but had to quit doing housekeeping was not able to keep up with the work,I do kitchen 3 days aweek now,My legs,back,Wrist hurt have migraines.I can sleep 24hrs aday if I was left alone to sleep I never feel good any more my Feet,Ankles swell do you think I could be eligible for SSI in the state of Arizona
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