The public health emergency declaration for Covid-19 made by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be ending on May 11, 2023. What that means is that numerous government policies, programs, and other adjustments made as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 will be ending between this date and the end of 2024.
For those seeking or currently approved for social security disability benefits for conditions related to a Covid-19 infection, you might wonder what will happen once this declaration ends. Our experts at Grundy Disability Group are here to answer those questions and ease your mind going forward.
What Is Long Covid?
Major news outlets reported that as many as 30% of Americans who contract Covid are experiencing what are known as long-haul symptoms. For these “long-haulers,” that means their symptoms last weeks, months, or years after infection. For many, long-haul symptoms from a Covid-19 infection can be so debilitating that a person is unable to work or complete basic daily tasks. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), some common symptoms of long covid patients include:
- Brain Fog
- Headaches
- Trouble Sleeping
- Dizziness
- Tingling Sensations Throughout The Limbs
- Loss or change of smell or taste
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stomach Pain & Upset
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest Pain
- Heart Palpitations
- Exhaustion
- Post-Exertional Malaise
The U.S. Department of Health declared that Long Covid is a disability in 2022. Since then, more than 1% of new social security disability claims have been for Long Covid.
How Will The Retention Date For The Covid-19 Emergency Affect All Social Security Disability Recipients?
One of the major policies put in place during the Covid-19 Emergency in March 2020 involved pausing the continuing disability review (CDR). More specifically, the processing for Title II and Title XVI continuing disability reviews during Covid-19 were paused to prevent difficulties in submitting written requests due to other pandemic closures.
On May 11, 2023, the continuing review process will resume, meaning the Social Security Administration (SSA) can evaluate medical impairments and determine if your condition has improved. If it is determined that your condition has improved, the administration will evaluate whether you’re still eligible for disability benefits.
Will I Still Be Able To Apply If I Have Long Covid?
If you’ve been suffering from Long Covid symptoms that prevent you from being able to work or perform necessary daily tasks, then you should still be able to apply beyond the retention date.
If you or a loved one has been seeking disability benefits for long covid, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a local disability law firm for help. At Grundy Disability Group, we want to see our clients get the justice and relief they deserve. Contact our team of experienced attorneys to schedule your free case consultation now.
