Social security disability benefits for sickle cell anemia

If you suffer from sickle cell anemia and your symptoms are so severe you are unable to work, you may be eligible to receive monthly Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is a program that pays monthly benefits to those who have become unable to work because of medical conditions if specific requirements are met and you are deemed completely disabled. The most commonly diagnosed blood disorder, sickle cell anemia impacts one out of every 500 African Americans and one out of every 1,000 to 1,400 Hispanic Americans throughout the country. In sickle cell anemia, your red blood cells are misshapen because they contain abnormal kinds of hemoglobin. These defectively shaped cells can block off your smaller blood vessels, and in turn, cause strokes or tissue damage. Other problems, such as severe anemia, gallstones, jaundice, leg and arm pain, or damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys may also result. The levels of severity can vary. Abstract source