Article Written by: Cendy Moliere, Outreach Specialist, Disability Benefits Center

How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits After an Organ Transplant

Organ transplants are very common, but there are still thousands of people that spend more than a year waiting for a donated organ that is the right match for them. During that time, and after a transplant surgery, it can be impossible for someone to work. People who need transplants and people who have had them can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits to help them cover their living and medical expenses while they wait for a donor organ or recover from a transplant surgery.

Social Security Benefits After an Organ Transplant

Anyone that has gone through an organ transplant surgery will automatically qualify for Social Security disability benefits for 12 months from the date of surgery. All you need to do is file a claim and submit proof that you had the surgery. This is the case for all organ transplants including:

• Bone marrow transplant
• Heart transplant
• Kidney transplant
• Liver transplant
• Stem cell transplant

After 12 months you can apply to have your benefits extended. The Social Security Administration will look at your medical records and the recovery progress that you’ve made and decide whether or not you need another year of benefits. You can reapply each year if you need benefits past the two-year mark.

Social Security Disability Benefits While Waiting for A Transplant

The time frame for how long someone could wait for an organ varies depending on each individuals situation. It is not uncommon to wait months or years. Often those waiting are unable to work because of their medical condition. People who are waiting for a transplant can apply for Social Security disability benefits and usually all they need to do is submit proof that they are on the transplant list to be approved for those benefits. A few of the conditions that will qualify someone to receive benefits while they are on the transplant list are:

• Cystic Fibrosis
• COPD
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Leukemia
• Liver disease
• Lung cancer
• Lymphoma

If you’re not sure if you qualify you can talk to your doctor to see what medical documentation you should submit with your claim.

Filing A Claim for Social Security Disability Benefits

If you’re not able to get out or you’re just more comfortable filing online, you can fill out and submit a claim for Social Security disability benefits online through the Social Security Administration’s website. But, if you need help filling out the application or if you have questions that you need answered before you can fill out the claim forms you can make an appointment at your local Social Security Administration office. Most cities and towns have a branch office of the SSA where you can get help if you need it. Bring your questions and all of your medical documentation with you to the appointment. One of the staff members at the office will sit down with you and answer your questions and help you fill out and submit your claim.

Resources:

• What You Need to Know Before Applying: https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/before-applying/organ-transplant
• Apply Here: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib
• Local SSA Office: https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/state-social-security-disability