Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Simply having HIV'or even receiving an AIDS diagnosis'isn't enough to qualify an individual for federal disability benefits, according to Howard Schwartz, associate director of coordinated care at Gay Men's Health Crisis in New York City. 'It's the medical ailments and the day-to-day symptoms that prevent someone from working that are important,' he says. 'It's really all connected to employability.' And it's your doctor who plays the key role in securing your disability benefits. Your primary care physician must agree that you are unable to work and fill out forms detailing precisely why that is the case. 'For people dealing with a complicated HIV-related disability, it has to be very carefully spelled out,' cautions Jason Roundy, program manager of client advocacy services at AIDS Project Los Angeles. But you can certainly help document your claim, Schwartz and Roundy say. If your anti-HIV medications give you severe diarrhea, keep a journal noting how many times a day you use the restroom while at work and how long each visit keeps you away from your desk or workstation. If you're nauseated, keep a record of when and how often you experience symptoms on the job. If you're fatigued, chronicle what work-related tasks'or even simple activities like standing or walking'you're too tired or weak to perform. 'Be specific up to and past the border of being graphic on the kinds of issues you deal with that are related to being disabled,' Roundy urges. The more detail you provide, he adds, the easier it is for the people reviewing your disability application to clearly understand your work-related restrictions.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Todrick Hall has long supported the communities he comes from
April 17 2024 12:02 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
The freedom of disclosure: David Anzuelo's journey through HIV, art, and advocacy
August 02 2024 12:21 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
How fitness coach Tyriek Taylor reclaims his power from HIV with self-commitment
September 19 2024 12:00 PM
Out100 Honoree Tony Valenzuela thanks queer and trans communities for support in his HIV journey
September 18 2024 12:00 PM
Kentucky bans conversion therapy for youth as Gov. Andy Beshear signs 'monumental' order
September 18 2024 11:13 AM
Why activist Raif Derrazi thinks his HIV diagnosis is a gift
September 17 2024 12:00 PM
Creator and host Karl Schmid fights HIV stigma with knowledge
September 12 2024 12:03 PM
Study finds use of puberty blockers safe and reversible, countering anti-trans accusations
September 11 2024 1:11 PM
Latinx health tips / Consejos de salud para latinos (in English & en espanol)
September 10 2024 4:29 PM
The Trevor Project receives $5M grant to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health in rural Midwest (exclusive)
September 03 2024 9:30 AM
Introducing 'Health PLUS Wellness': The Latinx Issue!
August 30 2024 3:06 PM
La ciencia detrás de U=U ha estado liberando a las personas con VIH durante años
August 23 2024 2:48 PM
Tratamiento y prevención del VIH por inyección: Todo lo que necesita saber
August 23 2024 2:41 PM
Sr. Gay World quiere asegurarse de que estés bien
August 23 2024 2:30 PM
Eureka is taking a break from competing on 'Drag Race' following 'CVTW' elimination
August 20 2024 12:21 PM
With a new case in Sweden, what is the new mpox outbreak and should you be concerned?
August 15 2024 4:48 PM
From ‘The Real World’ to real life: How Danny Roberts thrives with HIV
July 31 2024 5:23 PM
The July/Aug 'Treatment Guide' issue of Plus is here!
June 26 2024 3:49 PM
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM