When Chronic Kidney Disease Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits
Chronic kidney disease can be life-altering. Between frequent medical appointments, dialysis treatments, fatigue, and complications affecting the rest of the body, many people find it impossible to continue working full-time.
The good news is that Social Security recognizes certain forms of chronic kidney disease as disabling. If you or a loved one is dealing with advanced kidney disease, understanding how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates these claims can make a real difference.
Below is a clear breakdown of Listings 6.03, 6.04, and 6.05—the main SSA rules that apply to chronic kidney disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease With Dialysis (SSA Listing 6.03)
If you are undergoing chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, Social Security generally considers this condition disabling.
What this means in real life
Dialysis is not occasional treatment—it is a long-term, ongoing medical necessity that often requires multiple sessions per week. The SSA understands that dialysis alone significantly limits a person’s ability to maintain consistent employment.
Key takeaway
If you are on regular dialysis, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits without needing to prove additional complications, as long as the treatment is ongoing and properly documented.
Chronic Kidney Disease With a Kidney Transplant (SSA Listing 6.04)
A kidney transplant is often a major turning point—but it does not automatically end disability eligibility.
How Social Security evaluates transplant cases
-
You are considered disabled for one full year following a kidney transplant
-
This one-year period allows time for recovery, medication adjustments, and complications
After the first year
Once the year has passed, Social Security looks at:
-
Remaining kidney function
-
Side effects from anti-rejection medications
-
Fatigue, infections, or other ongoing limitations
If serious limitations remain, you may continue to qualify based on residual impairments.
Chronic Kidney Disease With Severe Kidney Function Impairment (SSA Listing 6.05)
Even without dialysis or a transplant, severe kidney disease may qualify for disability if both medical testing and complications meet specific criteria.
Part A: Severely Reduced Kidney Function
Social Security requires proof of reduced kidney function documented at least twice, 90 days apart, within a 12-month period. This can be shown by:
-
Serum creatinine of 4.0 mg/dL or higher, or
-
Creatinine clearance of 20 ml/min or less, or
-
eGFR of 20 ml/min/1.73m² or less
Part B: Serious Related Complications
In addition to reduced kidney function, at least one of the following must be present:
-
Renal osteodystrophy with severe bone pain and imaging showing bone disease or fractures
-
Peripheral neuropathy, such as numbness, burning, or loss of sensation
-
Fluid overload syndrome, including:
-
Diastolic blood pressure of 110 mm Hg or higher despite treatment
-
Severe swelling or fluid buildup (anasarca) despite treatment
-
-
Anorexia with weight loss, shown by a BMI of 18.0 or lower, documented on multiple occasions
Why Medical Documentation Matters
One of the most common reasons kidney-related disability claims are denied is missing or incomplete medical evidence. Social Security looks closely at:
-
Lab results over time
-
Treatment compliance
-
Imaging studies
-
Doctor notes describing symptoms and limitations
Having strong documentation that clearly matches SSA requirements can significantly improve the chances of approval.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Social Security disability rules for kidney disease are detailed and technical—but you don’t have to figure them out by yourself. An experienced disability attorney can help ensure the right evidence is gathered, presented correctly, and tied directly to SSA’s medical listings.
If you have questions about your estate plan or a probate matter, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.
📞 (708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”
