Can you get SSI for Crohn's and IBS?

Question

I have had IBS for about 10 years and I just found out that I have Crohn's disease too. For about the last two years I have worked very little because the meds don't work for me and my nerves are shot because I can't make it to the bathroom. My doctor keeps giving me the same meds--should I insist about the surgery so maybe I can return to work or try to sign up for SSI?

Answer 1

I am a certified Benefits Specialist for SSA's Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program. SSI is a federal welfare program for disabled persons that requires that the applicant meet both disability and financial criteria in order to qualify. The Federal Benefit Rate for SSI in 2006 is $603 per month, and most states automatically provide Medicaid benefits to SSI recipients w/o an additional application. SSDI is the disability program that is based upon a person's work record, and has no unearned income or asset test. The amount of SSDI cash benefits a qualifying applicant would receive is based upon work history. The average SSDI award in 2004 was around $840. When SSA reviews a person's disabling condition to determine a person's eligibility for SSI or SSDI, and take into account both medical and vocational limitations. Each state has a Disability Determination Service (DDS) that evaluates medical documentation and findings from their own physicians to determine if a person's disability is considered permanent and prevents a person from working at a 'substantially gainful' level (earning at least $860 per month in 2006). There are certain disabling conditions that are considered "presumptive", like Downs Syndrome, but most require further evaluation. More information regarding the disability requirements can be found at:

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify5.htm

I recommend that you contact your local PABSS organization--a group that assists persons with disabilities on issues like applying for SSI or SSDI. You can look up your local PABSS organization at:

http://www.ssa.gov/work/ServiceProviders/PADirectory.html

The good news is that if you were to decide that applying for SSA benefits is the right choice, and are subsequently awarded benefits, you can still attempt to work and support yourself. SSA provides work incentives in both the SSI and SSDI programs to help support a person's attempt to work. Your local Work Incentives Coordinator for SSA's WIPA program can give you more information, once you are currently receiving benefits.

Answer 2

Sorry to hear about your problems. They are painful, often embarassing conditions to live with. I have an illness that sometimes I can't make it to the bathroom so I just slap on a Depends and it helps me to not worry so much. You can get SSI if they believe that your illnesses prevent you from working. You need to go to the social security office near you and fill out an application. Then get any doctor, hospital or lab tests copy to give them when you have your hearing. Be totally honest about why you are unable to work, but plan on doing so when your condition improves. Have your doctor help you as much as she/he can, as they may have some experience with this. You may need to hire a lawyer who would get paid only if you win. They get like 1/3 of the money owed to you. That's why it is so important to file your claim as soon as you can. That way if they turn you down the first time when you try again you may win and you would get a lump sum from the time you first filed. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

The Social Security website is the best place to start. They have lists of diseases and conditions that qualify for disability, and general information on how to apply and how they evaulate whether you are disabled or not.

Answer 4

i know of people who get ssi for that same reason