Does Heart Failure Qualify for SSDI? Eligibility Explained

Reviewed by Gretchen Johnson, J.D., LL.M.

Winded walking to the mailbox? Ankles swelling by afternoon? Heart failure can make even light work too much.

Does heart failure qualify?

It can, under listing 4.02. You'll need test results proving heart failure, plus serious limits from it.

Which test results count?

• An ejection fraction of 30% or less while stable
• Or a thickened heart wall and enlarged left atrium on imaging

Which limits count?

• Symptoms that seriously limit daily life
• 3 or more episodes of fluid buildup in 12 months
• Not being able to finish a basic exercise test Don't meet all that? You can still qualify if your heart limits how long you can stand, walk or lift.