Type 1 diabetes is considered a disability, so people with this condition are eligible for certain protections and benefits under the law. However, accessing those benefits isn’t always easy. With a little research and documentation, you can improve life at school, work, and home for your child or yourself. Here’s what you should know about what types of benefits are available and how to get them when needed.

Type 1 Diabetes and School

Sending your child to school with type 1 diabetes can be stressful, but understanding your child’s rights can give you peace of mind and ensure their safety.

States are required to create and enforce school policies that allow children with type 1 diabetes to enjoy activities, sports, and field trips with their peers. Your child’s school should have trained staff on-site to help monitor blood sugar and administer medications during the school day. When your child is old enough, they should have the freedom to manage their diabetes as needed throughout the school day. In addition, your child should never have to switch schools or miss out on school events because of type 1 diabetes.

Contact your child’s school to speak with the nurse and teacher to come up with a strategy. Most schools require a written care plan that outlines your child’s medications, symptoms, and directions in case of an emergency. Your child’s doctor will also be involved and may need to sign off on certain documents to make the plan official. Be sure that all personnel who will be working with your child are trained in managing diabetes emergencies, including school bus drivers. Also, be sure to review the action plans with the staff frequently and let them know when your child’s doctor makes any medication changes.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers guidance and resources for schools and parents. If you’re having trouble collaborating with your child’s school on a plan that makes you feel comfortable, you can contact the ADA to help.

Summer Camps and Scholarships

There are various local nonprofit organizations around the country that help children with type 1 diabetes. For instance, the Kids With Courage Foundation in Missouri has scholarships, pen pal programs, and gift boxes for children with type 1 diabetes. Search online or talk to your child’s health care provider to learn about programs in your community to help you and your child get more support. The ADA maintains a list of summer camps for children with type 1 diabetes where children can get to know their peers with this condition and learn from each other. Parents can be extra sure that all the staff will be trained to handle any hypoglycemic reactions or other diabetes-related issues.

Special Protections at Work

People with type 1 diabetes may need to take certain precautions during work to avoid emergencies and feel their best. Knowing what and when to disclose diabetes to your boss can help you avoid discriminatory hiring practices and get the support you need to have a successful career.

During the Hiring Process

Employers aren’t allowed to ask questions about your diabetes as a condition of employment. For example, questions about what medications you take and your medical history are against the law. It’s up to you if you want to tell your employer about diabetes, and you may want to wait until you’re hired to discuss it.

Reasonable Accommodations

The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed to help ensure a fair working environment for people with diabetes and other health conditions. Once employed, you’re entitled to reasonable accommodations or rules that make it easier to manage your condition and stay safe while working. Reasonable accommodations may include scheduled breaks to check your blood sugar levels or the ability to have a quick snack during the workday to prevent hypoglycemia.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, there’s no formal protocol for requesting reasonable accommodations: “A person simply has to tell the employer that she needs an adjustment or change at work because of her diabetes. A request for a reasonable accommodation also can come from a family member, friend, health professional, or other representative on behalf of a person with diabetes.”

Your employer may ask you for documentation, like a doctor’s note, to prove that you have type 1 diabetes and need specific considerations at work. However, if these accommodations cause “undue hardship” (meaning they’re too expensive or not feasible for your employer to provide), they may try to offer other solutions. In some cases, reasonable accommodation requests can’t be granted.

What To Do if You Can’t Work

Sometimes, diabetes complications can be severe, making it impossible to maintain a job and earn an income. Diabetic retinopathy (vision loss), amputations, and kidney disease are some of the disabling conditions and impairments that can become barriers to work. If you find yourself in this situation, you may want to speak with a lawyer about applying for government benefits, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, for monthly payments to help cover your bills. Although you can fill out the application by yourself, the process can be overwhelming. You can improve your chances of getting approved with help from a disability attorney.

Start by reviewing the process online on the Social Security Administration’s website. You can use the online application or make an appointment to visit a Social Security office near you to apply. Be sure to gather all the necessary documentation first to make the process go smoothly.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A list of your prescriptions and dosages
• Medical records, including lab work and results
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of your health care providers and appointment dates
• Proof of your age (like a birth certificate)
• Social security number
• Your work history and past W2 forms or tax returns

It’s important to bring (or mail in) original copies of your documents, and the Social Security office will make copies and give you back the originals. If you’re not sure how to get these documents, begin your application, and the Social Security office will help you get them.

Sometimes, applications for disability claims get denied. You can appeal the decision and supply updated records for another chance at qualifying for benefits.

Exploring State and Other Programs

Additional government programs are available for people with disabilities to assist with costs like food, medical bills, and housing. Examples include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Your or your child’s health care provider can help point you in the right direction or connect you with a social worker who is familiar with the available programs in your state and community.

Get Support

People with type 1 diabetes can live satisfying lives, but they often have a slightly shorter life expectancy than those without the condition. However, by effectively managing the disease and seeing the doctor regularly, you can lower the chances of health problems and improve your long-term well-being. Recognizing type 1 diabetes as a disability can help you receive the necessary support, such as workplace accommodations and health care coverage, to better manage the condition and improve your overall quality of life.

Talk With Others Who Understand

myT1Dteam is the online social network for people with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones. On MyType1DiabetesCenter, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with type 1 diabetes.

Have you applied for Social Security disability benefits? Share your experience or thoughts in the comments below.