Should I seek disability benefits if I have kidney disease?

If you're a regular visitor to our blog, you know that we not only like to talk about topics concerning Social Security disability benefits, we also like to answer our readers' questions as well. From "How do you apply?" to "What happens if my claim is denied?", we always try to make sure that we are providing our readers with the information that they need to make the best decision for their situation.We realize though that sometimes our posts can prompt further questions, which is why we'd like to take a look at one question that might have been sparked because of a post we wrote earlier this month:Should I seek disability benefits if I have kidney disease?As you may remember from the post, the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances program helps individuals who have kidney disease by giving the disease disability status. This means that applications listing kidney disease may be fast-tracked through the process because reviewers know it is a serious enough condition and one that meets the SSA definition of a disability.But while we explained that you could receive cash benefits that help offset medical costs, we realize that you, like some of our Westbury readers, may be wondering if seeking these benefits is the right choice for your situation. Unfortunately, the answer is not a straightforward one because it relies heavily on the unique circumstances of your life.Everything from the expected length of the disease to the medical evidence you present can impact your eligibility for benefits. Once you start receiving benefits, you will then need to consider whether or not you will continue to work. In some cases, a person's income may disqualify them from receiving benefits, which is something our New York readers should consider.Because disability benefits are based on need, only you can answer whether or not it’s a good idea to apply for benefits. What we can tell you though is that if you decide to apply, you should know that you can ask for help from a lawyer. With their help, you can increase your chances of getting your application approved on the first try, which is something more than half of the applicants can't claim because they filed on their own.