Under section 504 and 1157 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) long COVID may qualify for disability benefits under the ADA if the symptoms “limit one or more major life activities.”

A person looking to define their long COVID symptoms as a disability will need to provide a record of their impairment. HHS.gov provides a short list of examples of when long COVID may be considered a disability:

• A person with long COVID who has lung damage that causes shortness of breath, fatigue, and related effects is substantially limited in respiratory function, among other major life activities. 

• A person with long COVID who has symptoms of intestinal pain, vomiting, and nausea that have lingered for months is substantially limited in gastrointestinal function, among other major life activities.   

• A person with long COVID who experiences memory lapses and “brain fog” is substantially limited in brain function, concentrating, and/or thinking.

If you are someone who qualifies for the protections outlined in the ADA, you have the right to enjoy all aspects of life. This means that you are entitled to certain accommodations based on your verifiable disability. Some accommodations include: additional time on tests if you are a student, business must provide a place for you to sit if you cannot stand, help pumping gas, or he ability to get a service dog. 

To learn more visit Viner Disability Law.

3/14/23