COVID-19 and the ADA:
What You Need to Know
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes individuals who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability.
It is possible for long covid to be considered a disability under the ADA, but it will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your ability to work. For example, if you are unable to work or attend school because of your long covid symptoms, you may be considered disabled under the ADA. However, if your symptoms are mild and do not significantly impact your ability to work
or participate in other activities, you will not be considered disabled under the ADA.
Despite the recognition that long COVID can be a disability, to qualify for federal programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), applicants must be unable to work and have health conditions that last for at least one year or result in death. This means that many people who are struggling with the long-term effects of COVID-19 will not be able to get the financial assistance they need. Having an advocate, such as an attorney specializing in disability law can help you get the benefits you deserve.
If you are unable to work because of your long covid symptoms, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Additionally, your health insurance coverage may continue even if you are unable to work because of coronavirus complications. However, if your long covid symptoms improve and you are able to return to work, your Social Security disability benefits will end, and your health insurance coverage may be canceled.
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are still suffering from symptoms after the initial infection has subsided, you may be wondering if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits or if your health insurance coverage will continue. The answer is maybe. Whether or not long covid is considered a disability under the ADA will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your ability to work or participate in other activities. Additionally, if your long covid symptoms improve and you are able to return to work, your Social Security disability benefits will end, but your health insurance coverage may continue. If you have any questions about whether or not you qualify for Social Security disability benefits or continued health insurance coverage, please contact us.