Allsup Expert T.J. Geist Sheds Light On COVID Issues In Kaiser Health News

‘People with long COVID face barriers to government disability benefits’

For those individuals suffering from long COVID, finding a fast path to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is not easy. In fact, it can be extremely daunting with denials, appeals and hearings. Though the Biden Administration has promised support to long COVID sufferers, the SSDI application and approval process remains challenging leaving thousands without income or benefits if they can no longer work.

T.J. Geist, Allsup Principal Advocate, explains that the coronavirus and its long-term effects have added another layer of complexity to the SSDI process. A lack of sufficient medical evidence to prove COVID’s impact on one’s ability to work, long wait times – often a year or more, and no clear guidance on how best to evaluate COVID-related claims have left thousands in extremely difficult financial situations.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reveals that about 40,000 disability claims include some indication of a COVID infection at some point. Allsup, a nationwide provider of disability representation, health insurance benefits and return-to-work services, says that in recent months, about 5% of new claims involve people with long COVID.

If you are experiencing long COVID and can no longer work, take our free online assessment now to see if you are potentially eligible for SSDI benefits.

Learn more in the full article from Kaiser Health News, “People with Long COVID Face Barriers to Government Disability Benefits.”