By Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be exhausting, painful, and life-altering. The constant joint stiffness, swelling, and fatigue can make it difficult to perform even basic daily tasks—let alone maintain a full-time job. This raises an important question for many patients: can you get disability for rheumatoid arthritis?
In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about qualifying for disability benefits due to rheumatoid arthritis and how rheumatoid arthritis affects your ability to work and perform daily activities — from eligibility criteria and documentation requirements to practical tips for a successful claim.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s joints. This leads to inflammation, pain, and potential joint deformity over time. Unlike osteoarthritis (which results from wear and tear), RA is systemic — meaning it can affect multiple organs such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Persistent joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling and tenderness in multiple joints
- Fatigue and weakness
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
- Reduced range of motion
- Fever and weight loss in severe cases
RA is a progressive condition, and while modern and ayurvedic treatments can help manage symptoms, many people still face limitations that interfere with their ability to work. This is why understanding can you get disability for rheumatoid arthritis becomes so important.
Can You Get Disability for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Yes — you can get disability for rheumatoid arthritis if your condition significantly limits your ability to perform daily activities or maintain employment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes rheumatoid arthritis as a qualifying impairment under its Blue Book listing for inflammatory arthritis (Section 14.09).
To be approved, you must provide medical evidence showing that your RA symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working regularly or engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Alongside medical treatment, some people also explore natural options like a Joint Support Herbal Supplement for Arthritis to help manage pain, stiffness, and inflammation while improving joint mobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and the SSA Blue Book Listing
The SSA uses the Blue Book to determine whether an applicant’s condition meets its disability standards. Rheumatoid arthritis falls under the “Immune System Disorders – Inflammatory Arthritis” section (Listing 14.09).
To qualify under this listing, your RA must involve:
- Persistent inflammation or deformity in one or more major joints (such as knees, ankles, hips, shoulders, elbows, or hands),
- Involvement of two or more organs or body systems, along with at least moderate severity symptoms like fatigue or weight loss,
- Ankylosis or joint deformities that limit movement, or
- Frequent flare-ups that prevent you from maintaining consistent full-time work.
If you don’t meet the exact Blue Book criteria, you may still qualify through a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment, which we’ll cover shortly.
The Disability Evaluation Process
When applying for disability benefits, the SSA evaluates your case in five key steps:
1. Are You Working?
If you earn more than the SSA’s set threshold (known as Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA), your claim may be denied. In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind applicants is approximately $1,550 per month (subject to change yearly).
2. Is Your Condition “Severe”?
Your rheumatoid arthritis must significantly affect your ability to perform work-related tasks such as standing, walking, lifting, typing, or using your hands.
3. Does It Meet or Equal a Blue Book Listing?
If your RA meets the medical listing under Section 14.09, your application can be approved at this stage.
4. Can You Perform Past Work?
The SSA checks if you can return to your previous job or similar work based on your skills, education, and medical condition.
5. Can You Do Any Other Work?
If you can’t perform your past work, the SSA considers whether you can adjust to other jobs available in the national economy. Age, education, and work experience all factor into this decision.
Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) and Rheumatoid Arthritis
If your condition doesn’t exactly match the Blue Book listing, the SSA will assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This evaluation determines what kind of work, if any, you can still do given your physical limitations.
For example, RA can affect:
- Manual tasks: Difficulty gripping or typing
- Mobility: Challenges walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
- Fatigue and concentration: Inability to maintain focus or stamina during work hours
Your doctor’s opinion, physical therapy records, and personal statements play a vital role in defining your RFC. If your RFC shows you can’t sustain a normal work routine, you may still qualify for disability benefits.
Types of Disability Benefits Available
There are two main types of disability benefits you can apply for with rheumatoid arthritis:
1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- For individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
- Benefits are based on your prior earnings and work credits.
- You typically need 20 work credits earned over the last 10 years (for adults over 31).
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- For individuals with limited income and resources.
- You don’t need a work history to qualify.
- Benefits depend on your financial need rather than your work record.
If you qualify for one or both programs, you can also receive Medicare or Medicaid coverage to help manage medical expenses related to rheumatoid arthritis.
Medical Evidence Required to Prove Disability
Strong, consistent medical documentation is essential. When determining can you get disability for rheumatoid arthritis, the SSA relies heavily on medical evidence, including:
Key Records to Include:
- Rheumatologist reports and diagnoses
- Blood tests (e.g., rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ESR, or CRP)
- X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds showing joint damage or deformity
- Treatment records (e.g., DMARDs, biologics, steroids)
- Physical therapy reports
- Doctor’s notes on your pain levels, mobility issues, and fatigue
- Statements from caregivers or employers describing your daily limitations
The more comprehensive your documentation, the stronger your claim will be.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for disability benefits for rheumatoid arthritis in 2025:
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Collect all medical records, lab results, and treatment notes from your healthcare providers.
Step 2: Complete the Application
You can apply online through the Social Security Administration’s website, by phone, or at your local SSA office.
Step 3: Submit Supporting Evidence
Attach all relevant documents that demonstrate your RA’s impact on daily living and work performance.
Step 4: Attend Consultative Exams (if required)
The SSA may schedule a physical or mental exam to confirm the severity of your condition.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Processing can take 3–6 months or longer. If denied, don’t lose hope—you have the right to appeal.
Tips for a Successful RA Disability Claim
- Work closely with your rheumatologist: Ensure your doctor documents your limitations thoroughly.
- Keep a symptom diary: Record daily pain levels, fatigue, and mobility challenges.
- Be honest on forms: Describe your condition accurately without exaggeration.
- Include side effects: Medications for RA (like methotrexate or steroids) can cause fatigue, nausea, or other issues that affect work.
- Consider legal help: A disability attorney can improve your chances of approval, especially during appeals.
Why Disability Claims for Rheumatoid Arthritis Get Denied
Even valid claims can be denied for various reasons. Common causes include:
- Incomplete medical records
- Inconsistent statements about symptoms or daily activities
- Failure to follow prescribed treatment
- Insufficient evidence of functional limitations
- Continuing to work full-time while applying
If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal within 60 days. Many applicants are approved during the reconsideration or hearing stages once additional evidence is submitted.
Disability Benefits Amount for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The amount you receive depends on the type of benefit:
- SSDI: Based on your average lifetime earnings. In 2025, most beneficiaries receive between $1,000 and $3,600 per month.
- SSI: The federal base rate in 2025 is around $943 per month, but this can vary depending on state supplements and personal income.
Once approved, you may also receive back pay for the period between your disability onset date and the date of approval.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Managing Symptoms Naturally
While disability benefits can provide financial relief, managing your condition is equally important. Alongside medical treatments, consider Natural Joint Supplement for Arthritis Joint Relief options to ease pain and improve quality of life:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Eat foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins:
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
- Olive oil
- Leafy greens
- Berries
- Turmeric and ginger
Avoid processed foods, refined sugar, and red meat that trigger inflammation.
2. Gentle Exercise
Low-impact workouts like yoga, swimming, or walking help maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
3. Stress Management
Meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques can help control stress, which often worsens RA flare-ups.
4. Hot and Cold Therapy
Applying heat eases muscle tension, while cold packs reduce swelling and inflammation.
5. Adequate Rest
Balance activity and rest to prevent fatigue and joint strain.
These natural approaches, when combined with medical treatment, can support your overall well-being while navigating disability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can you get disability for rheumatoid arthritis if you can still work part-time?
Yes, if your income is below the SSA’s SGA limit and your condition prevents full-time work, you may still qualify.
- How long does it take to get approved for disability for RA?
On average, it takes 3–6 months, but appeals can extend the process to 12–24 months.
- Do you need a lawyer to apply?
No, but having a disability attorney can improve your approval chances, especially if your claim is complex or previously denied.
- What if my RA is controlled with medication?
If treatment allows you to function normally, your claim might be denied. The SSA must see that your symptoms persist despite treatment.
- Can I get both SSDI and SSI for RA?
Yes, in some cases you can qualify for concurrent benefits if your income and resources are limited.
Final Thoughts
So, can you get disability for rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes — but it requires strong medical evidence, consistent treatment history, and clear documentation of how RA limits your daily life and work ability.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be unpredictable, and its impact on each person varies. Whether your symptoms cause occasional flare-ups or chronic pain and fatigue, applying for disability can help you gain financial stability while focusing on your health.
In 2025, with updated SSA processes and online resources, applying for disability has become more accessible than ever. Don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance or legal help if you need support in filing your claim.
