Diabetes itself is generally not considered a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA), but its severe complications can qualify an individual for benefits. The SSA administers two main programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those with a sufficient work history, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for those with limited income and resources. Simply having a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes is rarely enough to meet the strict eligibility requirements. For a claim to be approved, the disease must have progressed to a point where its complications prevent the individual from performing any substantial work activity.
The Social Security Definition of Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific definition of disability. To qualify, a person must be unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. SGA refers to the amount of money an individual earns monthly; for non-blind individuals in 2026, earning above $1,690 per month is considered engaging in SGA.
The impairment must also be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months or result in death. This duration requirement means benefits are not payable for partial or short-term disabilities. If a person’s condition is manageable enough to allow them to consistently earn above the SGA limit, the SSA will not consider them disabled.
Medical Evaluation: Using the Blue Book Listings
The SSA uses a guide known as the Listing of Impairments, or the “Blue Book,” to evaluate the medical severity of a claimant’s condition. Diabetes mellitus is listed under Section 9.00, Endocrine Disorders, but the disease is most often evaluated based on the body systems its complications affect. The SSA determines if the impairment “meets” or “equals” the severity criteria of a specific listing.
If the complications meet the specific requirements of a Blue Book listing, the claimant is automatically considered disabled. If the impairment does not meet a listing, the SSA assesses the claimant’s Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). The RFC determines the maximum amount of work a person can still perform despite their limitations. This step helps the SSA decide if the claimant can perform their past work or adjust to any other type of work that exists in the national economy.
Specific Diabetic Complications That Qualify
The pathway to approval for people with diabetes is typically through the severe complications the disease causes in other body systems. These complications must meet the severity criteria found in other sections of the Blue Book. For instance, diabetic retinopathy, which damages the blood vessels in the retina, may qualify under the vision loss criteria of Listing 2.00. This requires a specific loss of visual acuity or a significant contraction of the visual field.
Chronic kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, is a common complication and may qualify under Listing 6.00 for genitourinary disorders. This listing often requires proof of end-stage renal disease necessitating regular dialysis or a kidney transplant. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, causing severe nerve damage in the limbs, can be evaluated under the musculoskeletal or neurological listings. Qualification requires the neuropathy to be so severe that it makes standing, balancing, or walking without assistance impossible, or significantly limits the use of the hands for fine motor skills.
Cardiovascular issues, such as coronary artery disease or peripheral vascular disease resulting from diabetes, are evaluated under Listing 4.00. Severe complications that result in amputation of an extremity are assessed under Listing 1.00. The SSA will consider the combined effects of all these complications when determining if a person’s overall functional limitations prevent them from working.
Proving the Claim: Required Medical Evidence
A successful claim relies on providing objective medical evidence that documents the severity and duration of the diabetic complications. This evidence must demonstrate that the condition significantly impacts the claimant’s ability to perform work-related tasks. Laboratory results are crucial, including multiple HbA1c tests that reflect long-term blood sugar control.
Claimants need to submit detailed treatment records from endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, or other specialists. Test results, such as kidney function tests, nerve conduction studies, or retinal exams, are necessary to substantiate the secondary conditions. It is also beneficial to include statements from treating physicians that specifically describe the functional limitations caused by the complications, such as restrictions on walking, lifting, or concentrating.