IBS and Social Security Disability

If your IBS symptoms are so severe that it is has become impossible for you to work, you may be reassured to know that Social Security Disability might be an option for you. The following information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) will educate you as to the procedures involved in applying for these benefits.

According to the SSA, you can apply for disability if you are over the age of 18 and live in the United States, or one of its territories and commonwealths. The SSA has certain requirements that must be met in terms of how long you have worked and how much you have paid in Social Security taxes in order to qualify for disability benefits. Your Social Security Statement will tell you if you have met the work requirement.

See "How Much Work Do You Need?" for more information.

The SSA will consider your IBS disabling if it meets their conditions:

• You cannot do work that you were able to perform in the past. 
• SSA determines that your medical condition prevents you from adjusting to other work. 
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last one year or more or is expected to result n your death. 

The SSA provides an extremely helpful "Adult Disability Starter Kit", which contains the following forms:

• What You Should Know Before You Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits
• Adult Disability Interview Checklist
• Medical and Job Worksheet

These worksheets allow you to gather all your relevant information prior to initiating your disability application.

There are three ways to initiate an application for Social Security disability benefits:

• Online: "Apply Online for Disability Benefits".
• By phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
• In person at your local office: "Find Your Social Security Office"

Once you have filed an application, an appointment will be scheduled with an SSA agent for an interview, either over the phone or at your local office. During this interview, an application and an Adult Disability Report will be filled out.

Once your application is complete, it is sent to a state agency responsible for making disability determinations. This agency will contact your doctors and relevant treatment centers to obtain your records. You may be given additional forms to fill out or be sent for a medical examination.

The SSA states that it usually takes three to five months to obtain a decision.

If your initial application is denied, you will be given information regarding an appeal. You must file such an appeal within 60 days, either online or at your local office. You should read about a "Disagreement with Social Security's decision" for more information on the appeals process and your right to obtain legal representation.