Does Nephrotic Syndrome Qualify for Disability?
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder in which the kidneys release too much protein into the urine, leading to symptoms such as severe swelling, low protein levels in the blood, and high cholesterol. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates nephrotic syndrome under Listing 6.06 in its Blue Book. To be considered for disability benefits, your medical records must show that your condition meets specific criteria that SSA outlines under that listing. SSA reviews clinical findings, laboratory results, and other documentation to determine whether your nephrotic syndrome is severe enough to qualify.
What SSA Considers
SSA evaluates nephrotic syndrome under Blue Book Listing 6.06. To meet this listing, your condition must satisfy both criterion A and criterion B as outlined by SSA. Because the listing references both an A and a B component, your medical evidence must address and satisfy the requirements of each part. Your treating physicians' records, lab work, and clinical findings all play a role in demonstrating that your nephrotic syndrome meets what SSA specifically requires under both parts of the listing.
What You Could Receive
National payment amounts across all disability programs — not specific to any condition. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,821/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement.
What If Your Condition Doesn't Match Exactly?
Many people qualify through a medical-vocational allowance, even when their condition doesn't exactly match a Blue Book listing. SSA considers your age, work history, symptoms, and functional limits together. Strong medical documentation is the key. Learn more about qualifying without an exact match →
Ready to Start Your Claim?
If you have Nephrotic Syndrome, the right medical documentation can make the difference. Get a free personalized Approval Guide with a documentation checklist and next-step guidance for your claim.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You'll Need to File
- Diagnosis records from a nephrologist or primary care physician confirming nephrotic syndrome
- Urine protein test results (such as 24-hour urine protein or urine protein-to-creatinine ratio)
- Blood test results showing albumin and cholesterol levels
- Records of kidney function tests (such as GFR or creatinine levels)
- Documentation of symptoms such as edema (swelling), including physician notes describing severity
- Records of all treatments tried, including medications and their outcomes
- Hospital admission or emergency visit records related to nephrotic syndrome complications
- A statement from your treating physician describing how your condition limits your daily functioning
Frequently Asked Questions (5)
What is Listing 6.06 and why does it matter for my claim?
Listing 6.06 is SSA's Blue Book criteria for nephrotic syndrome under the genitourinary disorders category. If your medical evidence shows your condition meets all parts of this listing, SSA may find you disabled at that step of the evaluation process.
What does SSA mean by criterion A and criterion B?
Listing 6.06 requires your condition to satisfy both an A criterion and a B criterion. Your medical records must provide evidence addressing each part — meeting only one part is not sufficient to meet the listing.
What kind of lab results does SSA look for?
SSA typically reviews records such as urine protein tests, blood albumin levels, and kidney function measurements. These results help document the severity of nephrotic syndrome as part of your overall evidence.
Do I need to see a specialist for my claim?
While SSA does not strictly require specialist care, records from a nephrologist can provide detailed, highly relevant clinical evidence. Specialist documentation often carries significant weight in demonstrating the severity of your condition.
What if my nephrotic syndrome doesn't meet Listing 6.06?
If your condition does not meet the listing, SSA may still evaluate whether your symptoms and limitations prevent you from performing work through a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment. Not meeting a listing does not automatically mean your claim will be denied.
Blue Book Listing Reference
Primary: 6.06 Nephrotic syndrome,
Genitourinary disorders
Source version: 2025-09-11
View source on eCFRRelated Conditions
Learn More
Filing for Disability with Nephrotic Syndrome?
You’ve seen what SSA looks for and what documentation you’ll need. A free case evaluation takes less than two minutes — and having the right support can change the outcome of your claim.
Get Your Free Approval Guide