Can You Work with Heart Problems?

If you suffer from a heart problem, it may be difficult to work. However, there is help available for anyone who has been diagnosed with a heart problem that prevents them from working for at least 12 months. These are disability benefits that help to cover the financial hardship you are experiencing because your heart problem stops you from earning a living. You have to provide evidence to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that shows your heart problem is so serious that it prevents you from working for at least 12 months.

Determining If You Can Work With a Heart Problem

Your doctor or medical team can help you determine if you can still work by conducting tests that reveal the severity of your heart problem.

Examples of when you might not be able to work include:

  • just after having a heart attack;
  • when the work you usually do is too strenuous or stressful which would stop you from working if you have a heart condition.

What to Do If You Can’t Work With a Heart Condition

You may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if you can’t work for at least 12 months. You must meet the SSA’s definition of disability which is you cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) that is either:

  • expected to result in your death;
  • has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

In the SSA’s Blue Book, heart conditions are found in Section 4.

You may qualify for disability benefits with a heart condition if you have:

  • had a heart transplant more than 12 months ago;
  • chronic heart failure, which is also called congestive heart failure;
  • ischemic heart disease, which is a pre-heart attack condition which is caused by problems with your arteries;
  • chronic venous insufficiency, which is when the heart is unable to pump blood from the legs back to the heart and you have ulcers that won’t heal in 3 months;
  • recurrent arrhythmias, which is when your heartbeat is irregular and causes you to pass out or to have frequent spells in which you come close to passing out.

    • To qualify for disability benefits you should keep all medical evidence that proves you can’t work with your heart conditions such as doctor’s reports and test results. You can also take part in a Residual Functioning Capacity Test (RFC) which is conducted by your doctor or someone appointed by the SSA. You are asked to take part in tests that reveal both your physical and mental abilities. You are told to stand, sit and kneel as well as being asked to carry heavy objects. How you react determines if you have the mental and physical ability to work with your heart condition.

    Other Options If You Can’t Work With a Heart Problem

    Apart from receiving SSDI there is other help available to help you with your disability. Your state may have funds set aside for disabled people and some charities have some funds available as well.

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