We, the undersigned, urge the federal government to take immediate action to support Americans suffering from long COVID, who have been systematically denied disability benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

 

Long COVID has left millions of Americans unable to work due to severe fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, respiratory issues, chronic pain, and other life-altering symptoms. Despite medical evidence confirming the debilitating effects of this condition, the SSA continues to reject disability claims based on outdated assessment methods. As a result, many long COVID sufferers have been left without financial assistance, access to healthcare, or the ability to meet basic living needs.

 

THE CRISIS:

 

The SSA failure to acknowledge the full impact of long COVID has resulted in widespread denials for applicants who are clearly unable to work. The agency routinely dismisses claims due to:

Lack of sufficient medical evidence,despite clear documentation from healthcare professionals.

Arbitrary vocational therapy requirements, even when individuals are medically unable to work.

Outdated disability criteria that fail to recognize the fluctuating and unpredictable nature of long COVID.

Subjective determinations by administrative law judges and SSA reviewers who lack medical expertise on long COVID.

 

This bureaucratic failure has pushed countless Americans into financial ruin, homelessness, and worsening health conditions. The government must step in where the SSA has failed.

 

OUR DEMANDS:

1. Congressional Investigation into SSA Denials “ Launch a full inquiry into the SSA handling of long COVID disability claims, ensuring transparency in approval rates, evaluation methods, and appeal outcomes.

2. Legislative Action for Long COVID Disability Recognition “ Pass legislation mandating long COVID be classified as a recognized disability under SSA guidelines, with clear, science-backed eligibility criteria.

3. Executive Order for Immediate Relief “ Direct emergency financial assistance and expanded Medicaid/Medicare access for long COVID sufferers who have been unjustly denied SSA benefits.

4. Federal Funding for Long COVID Research and Disability Programs “ Allocate specific funding to establish specialized disability support programs outside the SSA, ensuring fair treatment for long COVID sufferers.

5. Mandatory SSA Reform and Training “ Require SSA disability examiners, administrative law judges, and policy advisors to undergo specialized training on long COVID, ensuring accurate and fair claim assessments.

 

WHY THIS MATTERS:

 

Long COVID is a national crisis, and the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from falling through the cracks of a broken disability system. The SSA continued denial of long COVID disability claims is not only unjust but also a violation of the basic rights of disabled Americans.

 

We, the undersigned, demand immediate action from the federal government to correct these systemic failures and provide the support that long COVID sufferers desperately need.