Understanding Social Security Disability and Fibromyalgia

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your fibromyalgia must meet the SSA's definition of disability. This includes showing that your condition is:

• Severe: Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work tasks like sitting, standing, walking, or concentrating.
• Long-Term: Your condition must last for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
• Inability to Work: You must demonstrate that fibromyalgia prevents you from working and performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, this is defined as earning more than $1,470 per month (for non-blind individuals).

Proving Disability Due to Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose and often lacks clear, objective medical tests. This makes it challenging to prove your disability. However, there are ways to strengthen your case with the SSA:

• Medical Documentation: The most crucial step is to provide thorough medical documentation that clearly demonstrates how fibromyalgia affects your ability to work. This includes:
• Detailed medical records from your primary care physician, rheumatologist, pain management specialist, or any other healthcare providers.
• Test results that rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
• Any treatment plans you have followed, including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

• Symptoms and Limitations: Since fibromyalgia involves symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues (often referred to as “fibro fog”), the SSA will look at how these symptoms impact your ability to work. You should keep a record of your symptoms, including how severe they are and how they affect your daily life.
• Pain levels: Document your pain levels throughout the day and how it limits your mobility or ability to concentrate.
• Fatigue: Include details on how fatigue interferes with your ability to perform basic activities like cooking, cleaning, or driving.
• Cognitive Impairments: If you experience memory or concentration problems, be sure to include this in your documentation.

• Doctor’s Opinion: A letter from your treating physician is incredibly valuable. This letter should include:
• An explanation of your diagnosis.
• The severity of your symptoms.
• How your fibromyalgia limits your ability to function in a work environment.
• The treatments you’ve tried and their results.

SSA’s Evaluation Process for Fibromyalgia

The SSA evaluates disability claims through a five-step process. Here’s how it applies to fibromyalgia:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are working and earning more than the SSA’s income threshold (for 2025, $1,470/month for non-blind individuals), your claim may be denied. If you’re not working or earning below the threshold, the SSA will move to the next step.
• Step 2: Severe Condition: Your fibromyalgia must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work tasks. The SSA will assess how your symptoms impact your ability to sit, stand, walk, and concentrate.
• Step 3: Meet a Listed Impairment: Fibromyalgia is not specifically listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, but the SSA will evaluate whether the severity of your condition is equal to or medically equivalent to one of the listed impairments (e.g., musculoskeletal or neurological disorders).
• Step 4: Past Work: The SSA will determine whether you can still perform your past work. If your fibromyalgia prevents you from doing your past job, they will proceed to the next step.
• Step 5: Other Work: If you can no longer perform your past job, the SSA will evaluate whether you can do other types of work based on your skills, age, education, and work experience. If fibromyalgia prevents you from doing any kind of work, you may qualify for benefits.

How to Apply for Social Security Disability in Maryland

If you have fibromyalgia and are considering applying for SSD benefits in Maryland, here’s how to start:

• Apply Online: The fastest and most convenient way to apply is through the SSA’s online application portal at www.ssa.gov. You can complete the application at your own pace and submit the necessary documents electronically.
• In Person: If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit your local Social Security office in Maryland. Use the SSA’s office locator tool to find the nearest office.
• By Phone: You can apply by phone by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will help you complete the application process.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

Fibromyalgia claims are often denied initially because the condition lacks definitive objective tests and is considered somewhat subjective. If your claim is denied, don’t lose hope! You can appeal the decision. The appeals process includes:

• Request Reconsideration: The first step in appealing a denied claim is to request reconsideration. The SSA will review your case again, and you can submit additional medical evidence.
• Request a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At this stage, you will have the opportunity to present your case in person, submit additional evidence, and have a more in-depth review of your claim.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review from the Appeals Council.