Being sleepy at work may sound like a minor issue. However, if you are one of many that suffer from a sleep disorder, it's not a case of just going to bed a bit earlier. Being robbed of sleep by a disorder can afford alertness, memory, decision-making, and cognitive skills. Most jobs depend on being wide awake and alert at all times. If you have a covered sleep disorder, you might qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Read below to find out more.

Get Treatment from a Doctor

Before you apply for SSDI benefits, see a doctor. You can see a family practitioner but it's better to make an appointment with a sleep specialist. In most cases, you will be set up to have a sleep study performed. This type of test can provide you and your doctor with detailed information about your sleep patterns. You may need to use a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP). This machine forces air into the airways to promote good breathing at night. However, losing sleep at night can be attributed to many issues and there may be no cure for your sleep disorder.

Apply for SSDI

You must stop working before you apply for benefits. Along with that, you should be ready to show that your sleep disorder has been diagnosed by a doctor and that you have tried to alleviate the symptoms using your doctor's advice. Being approved for SSDI means showing that you are suffering from a covered sleep disorder and that the condition is preventing you from doing your job.

Work credits also play a part in being approved. If you have not worked enough to earn enough work credits, you might still be approved for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. You can phone your local SSA (Social Security Administration) office or access your online account to find out if you have enough work credits.

Connecting Work and Your Disorder

When you apply, you should connect the symptoms of your sleep disorder with specific job tasks. For instance, if you have problems working with numbers because of cognitive issues and you are an accountant, connect those two things in your application.

Don't be surprised if you are turned down for benefits after you apply – many face the same fate. You can ask for an appeal hearing, however, which is a chance to speak to an SSDI hearing officer in person about your sleep disorder and why you cannot work because of it. Even better, though, would be to speak to a Social Security lawyer about your case. Social Security lawyers can stand by your side at the hearing and supply the proof needed to get your benefits started.

Reach out to a local law firm to learn more.