Pregnancy can be a difficult time, but even more so when you have a high-risk pregnancy. Such pregnancies can lead to complications and leave expectant mothers either temporarily or permanently disabled. So, can expectant mothers qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in high-risk pregnancies?
High-risk pregnancies in and of themselves can not qualify for SSI because pregnancies last for only nine months, whereas the SSA only recognizes disabilities that last for a year or longer. However, if the pregnancy leads to a long-term disability, then it is possible to qualify for SSI.
Continue reading below as we discuss whether you can get SSI from the Social Security Administration (SSA) with a high-risk pregnancy.
SSI for Routine Pregnancies
The Supplemental Security Income program is designed to give monthly benefits to disabled adults and children who have incomes that fall below certain thresholds. A normal pregnancy does not, on its own, qualify you for disability payments. If you are pregnant, you may not be able to work, and you may also have painful symptoms that are associated with other disabilities.
However, according to the Social Security Administration, a disability is defined as a condition that has lasted or is expected to last for 12 months or may result in death. Most pregnancies do not last more than a year; therefore, if you suffer from a temporary condition related to your pregnancy, you may not be eligible for benefits.
If you are pregnant and need financial assistance, you may be eligible for temporary disability compensation through a state program.
There are a number of states that provide benefits to pregnant women, including New Hampshire and California. Florida is one of the very few states that does not offer any sort of state-run program for temporary disability benefits.
Medicaid for Pregnancy
Medicaid is a public health care plan for people with low incomes. Medicaid can also provide coverage during pregnancies, provided you meet the income requirements in your state.
Pregnancy is a qualifying event for enrolling in Medicaid, and states offer distinct levels of coverage based on household income level.
For low-income families, most states offer full-scope Medicaid, which covers all medical treatments. For moderate-income households, most states offer a more limited version of Medicaid, which covers only care related to pregnancy.
There are several states that offer extra coverage levels for those who have higher incomes, such as the Medi-Cal Access Program in the state of California.
SSI for High-Risk Pregnancies
There are a number of complications that can arise during pregnancy that might result in the mother becoming disabled for an extended period of time, which can make her eligible for benefits.
You can qualify for benefits if your pregnancy is very likely to cause a disability that will keep you out of work for a year or more.
Complications during pregnancy can result in a wide range of health problems for the mother. Some of the debilitating health issues that a mother may encounter during her pregnancy include severe bleeding, diabetes, inflammatory illnesses, and hypertension.
Eligibility through a Blue Book Listing
You may be eligible for disability payments due to your pregnancy if your diagnosed condition matches one of those that are mentioned in the Social Security blue book. In order to establish the diagnosis, you will need to present the necessary medical documentation and demonstrate that these issues have been caused by your pregnancy.
You must also be unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) due to a long-term disability or blindness. You need to have less than $2,000 in assets and a household income that is less than the limit set by your state.
As per the blue book, some of the potential problems that may develop throughout your pregnancy are:
Inflammatory Disorders
Pregnancy increases your risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease and chronic pelvic discomfort, among other inflammatory conditions.
The damage that occurs to reproductive organs due to infections that occur during labor can also render you unable to work, which may earn you eligibility for benefits.
Cardiovascular Disorders
Being pregnant also increases your risk of developing hypertension.
The blue book includes conditions such as chronic hypertension, kidney failure, and disorders of the nervous system under its list of conditions. You may be eligible for benefits if you have developed any of these conditions during your pregnancy.
Hemorrhage
As the pregnancy progresses, some mothers encounter heavy bleeding. These can lead to conditions such as anemia, hormonal imbalances, and pituitary gland failure, which are qualifying conditions for disability benefits.
How a Residual Functional Capacity Test Can Help
Even if you do not have a pregnancy-related problem listed in the Social Security Administration blue book, you may still be eligible for benefits if you can demonstrate that your medical condition is long-term, debilitating, and prevents you from retaining employment.
Remember that disability benefits are intended for those who are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable condition.
If you experience complications during your pregnancy, you may end up with long-term conditions that make it difficult for you to work. The Social Security Administration will assess your residual functional capacity—your capacity to perform productive daily tasks—as part of their application review process.
SSI After Pregnancy
SSI may be required for a variety of healthcare needs after you have given birth. These services may include care for babies with low birth weight, care for children with disabilities, or care for yourself if you become disabled after giving birth.
Low Birth Weight Babies
You will only receive $30 per month for your low-birth-weight baby while they are in the hospital. After returning home, they can be eligible for full SSI benefits as long as their household falls within the low-income and resource limits.
Children with Disabilities
Children with disabilities may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits, even if they do not meet the criteria for low birth weight in premature birth.
Post-Pregnancy Adults
You may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income in 2023 if your monthly income is less than the SSA’s income threshold and you meet the limits applicable to your household’s income and resources.
Conclusion
So, if your pregnancy results in a long-term, disabling condition that will keep you out of work for a year or more, then you may be eligible for the SSI program. But if your condition is only temporary and is expected to resolve itself after the pregnancy, then you will not qualify for these benefits.
