When Disability Hits Later in Life: Adult-Onset Autoimmune Disorders

If you’re like many American adults, you might hear the term “autoimmune disorder” and think, “That’s not me.” And while that may be true, many people don’t realize that most autoimmune disorders don’t show up until adulthood. That’s right—while some autoimmune diseases begin in childhood, like juvenile idiopathic arthritis and type 1 diabetes, most develop later in life. Doctors use the term “adult-onset” when these conditions appear between the ages of 25 and 61. These disorders can be disruptive, unpredictable, and challenging to manage. Here’s what you should know.

What Are Autoimmune Disorders?

Autoimmune disorders happen when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This leads to inflammation, which can cause pain, fatigue, difficulty moving, and problems with different organs. These symptoms may affect nearly any part of the body and can range from mild to severe.

Many people experience flare-ups, where symptoms become so overwhelming that they significantly interfere with their daily lives. Other times, they may feel well enough to manage basic tasks. This cycle makes it difficult to hold a job or plan for the future.

In addition to physical struggles, autoimmune disorders can create financial strain. You may earn too much to qualify for assistance, but too little to manage medical costs or everyday expenses. This can make it hard to stay afloat, especially during your prime working years.

Adult-Onset Autoimmune Disorders

Many autoimmune disorders are first diagnosed during adulthood, often between the ages of 25 and 61. This is known as ‘adult-onset’ and refers to conditions that do not typically appear during childhood. Some of the autoimmune disorders that often show up in adulthood include:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – An inflammatory disease that affects joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs; usually appears between the ages of 16 and 55.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – A chronic condition that causes joint inflammation and pain. It often develops between the ages of 30 and 55.
• Sjögren’s Syndrome – A chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands. This leads to widespread dryness, particularly in the eyes and mouth, and can also affect other organs and systems. It is most common in women between the ages of 45 and 50.
• Multiple Sclerosis – A disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to fatigue, numbness, and mobility issues; typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis – A condition that affects thyroid function, often causing fatigue and weight changes; it can occur at any age, but is more common in adults.

If these conditions appear during the years when you’re trying to build a career, the impact can be significant. Fatigue, pain, and mobility issues can limit your ability to do your job or pursue new work opportunities.

Do Autoimmune Disorders Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Living with an autoimmune disorder can make working difficult, even impossible at times. To receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you’ll need to meet three main criteria:

1. Long-Term Disability: Your condition must last at least one year or be expected to result in death. It’s essential to note that getting treatment does not disqualify you. SSDI is for individuals who are unable to work due to severe, long-term health conditions.
2. Work Requirements: You need enough work credits from jobs where you paid into Social Security. Most adults need to earn a total of 20 credits within a 10-year period. In 2025, one credit is equivalent to $1,810 in earnings. If you worked before your diagnosis, you may already qualify. However, the diagnosis must be present during the 10 year window.
3. No Substantial Gainful Activity: To qualify for SSDI, your condition must prevent you from doing any substantial gainful activity (SGA). SSA will evaluate the work for two criteria. First, does the work have any significant mental or physical activity. Second, are the gross earnings from this work above a certain amount each month. If the answer to both of these thresholds is yes then the SSA may decide you’re still able to work and deny your claim.

So, can you get disability with an autoimmune disorder? The answer isn’t always straightforward—but it is possible. Autoimmune disorders often fluctuate. Some days might feel manageable, but flare-ups or ongoing symptoms can make it nearly impossible to hold down a steady job. Here is where you need to start.

Provide Evidence to Prove Eligibility

As stated above, receiving regular medical care doesn’t disqualify you from SSDI—in fact, it strengthens your case. The more documentation you can provide about your condition, the better. This evidence can include:

• Medical records
• Treatment plans
• Lists of medications you take
• Tests that show how your disorder affects mobility or cognitive function
• Letters from your doctor explaining your limitations and long-term outlook
• Statements from former employers describing how your condition affected your work

Ask your doctor to document your challenges clearly in your medical records. This helps show the Social Security Administration (SSA) that:

• Your flare-ups are frequent and disruptive, making steady work difficult
• Even on good days, symptoms like pain or fatigue make basic tasks hard
• Complications like brain fog or nerve damage reduce your ability to function consistently

In short, a diagnosis alone isn’t enough. You’ll need to paint a full picture of how your condition limits your daily life and job performance.

Disability Support Services Are Here to Help

Living with an autoimmune disorder is challenging enough—navigating the SSDI process shouldn’t add to that burden. If your health is affecting your ability to work, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Understanding what’s required and having the right documentation makes a big difference. DSS can walk you through what to expect, what to prepare, and how to present your case clearly. Complete our online form or contact us to begin.

On June 23, 2025   /   Your Benefits   /   Leave a comment