In response to the growing needs of individuals suffering from Long COVID, a coalition of U.S. senators has called on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make critical changes that would ease access to disability benefits. The bipartisan group, which includes Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), is pushing for greater transparency and support in recognizing Long COVID as a disabling condition. This effort reflects a broader movement to ensure that those grappling with the long-term effects of COVID-19 receive the assistance they need.*

The Economic Impact of Long COVID

Long COVID has not only affected the health of millions but has also had significant repercussions on the workforce and economy.

• A 2023 study estimated that COVID-19 as a whole led to a reduction of 500,000 workers from the U.S. labor force.
• The average financial loss per affected worker was around $9,000, underscoring the condition’s severe economic impact.

Long COVID, with its ongoing symptoms like chronic fatigue and cognitive difficulties, has forced many individuals to reduce their work hours or leave the workforce entirely. With about 17 million Americans reportedly having experienced Long COVID as of March 2024, the economic burden is expected to continue unless systemic changes are made.

Advocacy for SSA Policy Reforms

Advocates for disability rights are urging the SSA to update its policies to better accommodate individuals with long COVID, emphasizing the need for more precise and supportive guidelines. The senators:

• Have recommended expanding the SSA’s list of recognized impairments to include long COVID, making it easier for sufferers to qualify for benefits, and
• Support restoring the treating physician rule, which would give more weight to long-term medical providers in disability determinations.

Lisa McCorkell, co-founder of the Patient Led Research Collaborative, highlighted that clear guidance on how to document Long COVID in disability claims would significantly aid both patients and physicians. 

This step is crucial for ensuring that those with Long COVID are not unjustly denied benefits due to a lack of awareness or understanding of the condition among medical professionals.

The Need for Broader Systemic Changes

As the number of Long COVID cases continues to rise, there is a growing consensus that the SSA must undergo significant reforms to meet the needs of a changing population.

Disability advocates point out that the aging baby boomer generation, combined with an increase in disabilities among younger people, will put unprecedented pressure on the SSA.

Calls for increased funding to the SSA aim to ensure that it can handle the expected surge in disability claims and improve the overall application process.

Mia Ives-Rublee, senior director of the disability justice initiative at the Center for American Progress, has emphasized that the current system is not equipped to handle the diverse experiences of disability applicants, particularly those with Long COVID. 

With a potential overhaul of the SSA on the horizon, advocates stress the importance of making these changes sooner rather than later to provide timely support for all affected individuals.

*Quinlan, C. (2024, August 14). Senators urge better access to disability payments for Long COVID patients. Oregon Capital Chronicle. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/08/14/senators-urge-better-access-to-disability-payments-for-long-covid-patients/ 

Featured image: help.senate.gov 

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