Digestive Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome Living With IBS and Social Security Disability By Barbara Bolen, PhD twitter Barbara Bolen, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and health coach. She has written multiple books focused on living with irritable bowel syndrome. Learn about our editorial process Barbara Bolen, PhD Fact checked by Fact checked by Ashley Hall on June 16, 2020 linkedin Ashley Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in multiple medical journals in the field of surgery. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Hall Updated on June 16, 2020 Print 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. Maskot / Getty Images Who Is Eligible? 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. Does IBS Count as a Disability? 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 in your death. Before You Apply 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 BenefitsAdult Disability Interview ChecklistMedical and Job Worksheet These worksheets allow you to gather all your relevant information prior to initiating your disability application. How to Apply 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" The Application Process 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. The Appeals Process 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 appealing a decision for more information on the appeals process and your right to obtain legal representation. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! One of the most challenging aspects of having IBS is trying to figure out what's safe to eat. Our recipe guide makes it easier. Sign up and get yours now! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit