Social Security Disability for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease: A 2025 Guide

Social Security Disability for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (Updated 2025) 

A diagnosis of an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can be a life-changing event. The chronic, unpredictable, and often debilitating symptoms, including abdominal pain and frequent bathroom visits, can hinder one’s ability to maintain a stable work life. As a result, individuals may experience a significant loss of income during a time when medical expenses are often at their highest. 

Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides essential financial assistance through its disability benefit programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  

This guide will outline the important steps and key considerations for qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. 

Your Pathways to Social Security Disability for IBD 

The SSA uses a rigorous 5-step sequential evaluation process to determine if any applicant meets the definition of disability under Social Security law. For IBD claims, the process often focuses heavily on a few key pathways. 

 

How the SSA Evaluates IBD Disability Claims 

The SSA uses a rigorous, 5-step sequential evaluation process to determine if any applicant, including those with IBD, meets the definition of disability under Social Security law. 

1. Are you working at a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level? If your monthly earnings exceed the SGA limit, you are generally considered not disabled, regardless of your medical condition. 
2. Is your condition severe? Your medical condition(s) must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities (e.g., walking, standing, lifting, interacting). 
3. Does your condition meet or medically equal a listing in the Blue Book? The SSA maintains a “Listing of Impairments” (often called the “Blue Book”) that describes conditions severe enough to prevent work. IBD has specific criteria for automatic approval. 
4. Can you do your past relevant work? If your condition does not meet or equal a listing, the SSA will assess if your limitations prevent you from performing any of your past jobs from the last 5 years. 
5. Can you do any other type of work? If you cannot do your past work, the SSA will consider your age, education, work experience, and Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to determine if you can adjust to any other full-time work that exists in the national economy. 

For IBD claims, the process often focuses heavily on Step 3 (Blue Book listing). If your condition meets specific criteria, your claim can be approved quickly. If not, the evaluation proceeds to Step 5 (Residual Functional Capacity), which assesses the overall impact of your IBD and its complications on your ability to work. 

 

SSA Blue Book Listings for IBD (Section 5.00 Digestive Disorders) 

The SSA’s Blue Book (Listing of Impairments) provides specific medical criteria that, if met, automatically qualify an individual for disability benefits. Section 5.06, “Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD),” is the key listing for conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. For a detailed breakdown of this entire section, see our article on Digestive Disorder Disability Evaluation. 

Key Criteria for Qualifying under Section 5.06: The Blue Book listings for IBD generally focus on the severity of the disease and the existence of specific, documented complications. You must satisfy either of the following two criteria, both of which require ongoing symptoms and treatment over a 12-month period. 

• Obstruction: You have an intestinal obstruction of the small intestine or colon that is diagnosed by imaging or surgery. This must have required hospitalization for intestinal decompression or surgery on at least two occasions, at least 60 days apart, within a consecutive 12-month period. 

• Documented Complications: You must have at least two of the following conditions that persist despite prescribed treatment, with each occurring at least twice within a consecutive 12-month period: 

• Anemia: A hemoglobin count of less than 10.0 g/dL, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart. 

• Low Serum Albumin: A serum albumin level of 3.0 g/dL or less, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart. 

• Tender Abdominal Mass: A clinically documented tender abdominal mass palpable on physical examination with abdominal pain or cramping that is not completely controlled by medication. 

• Perineal Disease: A draining abscess or fistula with pain that is not completely controlled by prescribed medication. 

• Need for Supplemental Daily Enteral Nutrition: via gastrostomy, duodenostomy, or jejunostomy, or daily parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter. 

Building a Case for Invisible Disabilities 

If your IBD does not meet one of the specific Blue Book listings, you can still be approved for benefits by proving that your symptoms and limitations prevent you from working. This is especially true for “invisible disabilities” like IBD, where a flare-up can severely limit your functional capacity. 

You must document all of your symptoms and how they impact your ability to perform work-related activities. This includes: 

• Frequent and urgent bathroom needs: This is a major limitation that can make a regular work schedule impossible, especially in jobs where bathroom breaks are limited. 

• Extreme fatigue: A common complication of IBD, often due to anemia or malnutrition, which can make it difficult to concentrate, stay on task, or maintain a full day of work. 

• Severe pain: Chronic abdominal pain and cramping can interfere with focus and the ability to sit or stand for extended periods. 

• Frequent medical appointments and hospitalizations: The need for regular colonoscopies, lab work, and medication infusions, as well as hospital stays, makes it difficult to maintain consistent employment. 

For a deeper dive into proving these kinds of limitations, check out our guide on SSDI for Invisible Disabilities.

 

Learn More about the SSDI Application Process 

For more information and help from a professional team, reach out to Trajector Disability, or read “The Beginner’s Guide to Disability Benefits”. Our exclusive guide includes information on different programs, eligibility, how to apply, and more. 

A diagnosis of Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis presents immense challenges, but qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline. Don’t let the complexity of the Social Security system add to the burden of your illness. By understanding how to apply, what medical evidence is required, and the different pathways to approval, you can significantly increase your chances of securing the benefits you deserve. 

We Can Help You Navigate Your SSDI Journey! 

At Trajector Disability, our team of experienced Social Security disability advocates understands the challenges individuals with IBD face when applying for SSDI. We can help you navigate this process! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)