Living with kidney disease can affect every part of your life. Whether you’re going through dialysis, recovering from a transplant, or managing ongoing symptoms, the condition can make it difficult—or even impossible—to hold a job. When you can’t work, you still need a way to cover your expenses and care for your health. Social Security Disability benefits may provide the support you need.
At the Law Office of Carey Thompson, PC, we help individuals in Dallas-Fort Worth apply for and secure these benefits. If your kidney condition has forced you to stop working, we’re here to help. From preparing your application to appealing a denial, we’ll handle the legal details so you can focus on your health and recovery.
Qualifying for SSD with Kidney Disease
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months—or that it’s expected to be fatal. For people with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, this often means showing the SSA how the condition affects your daily life and job abilities.
You may qualify for benefits if you have:
- Chronic kidney disease that requires regular dialysis
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
- A history of kidney transplant
- Serious complications like persistent fluid retention, low kidney function, or severe fatigue
The Social Security Administration will review your medical records, lab results, and treatment history. Even if your diagnosis is clear, the SSA needs to see proof that your condition limits.
Kidney Conditions Recognized by SSA
The SSA lists several kidney-related conditions in its Blue Book, which outlines impairments that may qualify for disability benefits. If your condition meets one of these listings—and you have the medical evidence to back it up—you could be approved without additional steps.
Common kidney conditions that may qualify include:
- Chronic kidney disease requiring ongoing dialysis
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) with severely reduced kidney function
- Nephrotic syndrome with swelling, protein in the urine, and other complications
- Kidney transplant (automatically qualifies for benefits for 12 months after surgery)
To support your claim, you’ll need:
- Lab test results (such as GFR and creatinine levels)
- Dialysis records or transplant documentation
- Treatment history from your nephrologist or medical team
- Notes on how your symptoms affect daily life and job performance
Providing a complete picture of your health helps the SSA understand the impact of your condition. When the paperwork is thorough and well-prepared, the process tends to move more smoothly.
What If You Don’t Meet the SSA Listing?
Not every kidney disease claim fits neatly into the SSA’s Blue Book. If your condition doesn’t meet the listing exactly, you can still qualify for benefits through what’s called a medical-vocational allowance. This means the SSA looks at how your symptoms limit your ability to work—even if your diagnosis doesn’t appear in their guidelines.
Here are a few ways kidney disease can keep someone from working:
- Severe fatigue from reduced kidney function or dialysis
- Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory issues
- Frequent absences from work due to treatment schedules
- Swelling, joint pain, or weakness that limits mobility
- Side effects from medications or related health problems
You don’t need to be entirely bedridden to qualify. If your condition prevents you from keeping a consistent work schedule or performing your job reliably, that may be enough. What matters is showing how your symptoms affect your ability to earn a living.
How We Help with Your Disability Claim
Filing for disability benefits isn’t always easy—especially when you’re dealing with medical appointments, treatments, and everyday stress. At the Law Office of Carey Thompson, we help take the pressure off. From start to finish, we’re here to handle the legal side of your claim so you don’t have to face it alone.
Here’s how we help:
- Application support: We gather your records, complete the forms, and make sure everything is submitted on time.
- Medical documentation: We work with you to include lab results, treatment summaries, and statements from your doctors.
- Ongoing updates: We stay in touch with the SSA and follow up as needed.
- Appeals: If your claim is denied, we’ll step in, review the decision, and prepare a strong appeal on your behalf.
You won’t be left wondering what’s next or who to call. We’ll walk you through each step and keep your case moving forward.
Trusted Disability Guidance Across Dallas-Fort Worth
We know how difficult it can be to live with kidney disease—physically, emotionally, and financially. When your health keeps you from working, you deserve help from someone who understands what you’re going through and takes your concerns seriously. That’s what we offer at the Law Office of Carey Thompson.
We work with clients across Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding communities, providing dependable legal support for Social Security Disability claims. Whether you’re applying for the first time or fighting through an appeal, we’ll take the time to listen, explain your options, and keep you informed. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders. Call today to schedule a consultation—we’re ready to help.