According to The Government of Ontario, a disability is any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to participate in certain activities or interact with their surroundings.  Essential tremor is a progressive neurological condition that causes shakes to the head, neck, trunk, arms, legs, voice, and sometimes other parts of the body. As such, in many instances, Essential tremor is considered a disability.

A recent article published by the Pennsylvanian Department of Labour and Industry reported that individuals can qualify for Social Security disability benefits as long as they are “unable to do any substantial work because of their medical condition.” Many individuals with Essential tremor have difficulties writing, typing, picking up heavy objects, etc. Thus, a lot of people with Essential tremor have no choice but to give up their employment and seek Social Security disability benefits. 

It can sometimes be difficult to receive benefits or approval for benefits due to Essential tremor. This is because the symptoms of Essential tremor can range from mild, to moderate, to severe. In order to apply for benefits, an individual with Essential tremor is required to provide medical documentation noting how the tremors are disabling and keeping the individual from performing at work. Some symptoms of Essential tremor that would qualify for Social Security disability benefits include:

• Inability to walk without support, such as a cane

• Inability to write or type on a keyboard

• Stress-induced tremors

• Difficulties carrying weighted objects

In most cases, problems with handling objects, climbing, crouching, concentrating, focusing, and controlling anxiety will also be considered.

Receiving Social Security disability benefits can help to compensate for income that may have been lost due to an individual’s inability to work. These costs can include treatment costs, transportation costs, lost wages, and other expenses.

If you have had to quit your job or reduce your hours due to the symptoms associated with your Essential tremor, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits! It is a good idea to contact a law firm in order to help you with your claim and get started!

Alternatively, the Steadi-Two – an assistive device designed to reduce tremors for people with Parkinson’s disease and Essential tremor – can help you to excel at work. The Steadi-Two is a battery-free, light-weight, machine washable device that can help to reduce your hand tremor when performing daily living activities, like writing, typing, eating, and drinking. In lab tests, the Steadi-Two provided users with up to 80% of tremor relief.

If you are interested in learning more, or reserving a Steadi-Two today, click here!

The Emotional Side of the Disability Question

Whether Essential Tremor is a disability depends on how much it affects a person's daily life, not on a single blanket definition. Its impact is emotional as well as physical: visible shaking can bring self-consciousness, social withdrawal, and a reduced Essential Tremor quality of life. Research suggests perceived Essential Tremor disability is shaped substantially by mood and psychosocial factors, not tremor severity alone. Staying engaged and managing symptoms consistently supports independence and control.