The Social Security Agency classifies Crohn’s disease as a disability. A person with Crohn’s disease may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if their condition makes them unable to work, provided they can provide evidence to prove they are eligible.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract (GI). It belongs to a group of conditions called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Crohn’s disease can cause problems anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. It often causes problems at the end of the small intestine called the ileum and the beginning of the colon.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease can make it difficult or impossible for a person to work, requiring a person to apply for a disability pension.
A person who is considered disabled may be eligible for either Supplemental Safety Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) depending on their financial situation, professional background, and social security tax payments.
SSDI services are available to anyone who is “insured” under the Social Security Administration (SSA). That means they have worked long enough, enough lately, and paid adequate social security taxes on the money they earned.
SSI benefits are available to anyone over the age of 65, blind, or disabled, with limited income or resources.
This article examines when Crohn’s Disease qualifies for disability, what government disability benefits are available, and how to claim them.
When a person is unable to work due to a disability, the money they receive from government disability payments can represent a significant percentage of their income.
Disability payments are not high. According to the SSA, the average SSDI payment in 2019 was $ 1,234 per month.
If their disability is their only source of income, a person would make $ 14,808 a year in state SSDI benefits. That’s just a little over the 2018 federal poverty line of $ 12,880.
Crohn’s disease is a disability as it falls under the inflammatory bowel disease domain. IBDs are on the list of conditions the SSA considers disabilities.
The SSA notes that Crohn’s disease is usually incurable and can affect any part of the GI tract in a variable pattern. It can recur chronically even after surgery.
Can you work with Crohn?
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract and can vary with each recurrence. They can include:
- constant diarrhea
- bloody stool
- urgent bowel movements
- Stomach cramps
- Gastrointestinal pain
- Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel
- constipation
Some symptoms can also be systemic and lead to problems throughout the body. These include:
- Weight loss
- fatigue
- mouth sores
- poor appetite
- swollen, sore joints
- Skin complications
- Redness or pain in the eyes, or blurred vision
- fever
- Night sweats
- Loss of menstruation
- retarded growth in children
Depending on the severity and frequency of occurrence, the symptoms can make work difficult or impossible.
In the United States, the government has classified Crohn’s disease as a disability. This means that people with Crohn’s disease may also be able to receive disability benefits from the SSA.
In addition, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects workers’ rights. This means that, on condition, an employee has the right to require reasonable accommodation from his employer to meet the needs that enable him to do his job.
Similar laws in the UK, Canada and Australia protect workers and provide some type of disability benefit to people with Crohn’s disease.
In Ireland, Crohn’s disease is not on the list of disabilities covered by the long-term disease program, which covers the cost of medicines, medicines and medical or surgical equipment.
Crohn’s disease is described in the SSA Disability Assessment Guide under Section 5.00 – Adults.
Under the ADA, digestion is an important life activity and people with digestive problems are protected from discrimination in the workplace.
This means that an employee can request reasonable accommodation such as:
- enough time for regular toilet breaks
- a desk closer to the toilet
- unpaid leave for doctor’s appointments or flare-ups
- Teleworking or flexible working hours
- an assignment to another position in the company if the current one is unsustainable
Does Crohn’s Disease Qualify For Long Term Disability?
It is the goal of the SSA to facilitate the reintegration of individuals into the profession. However, if a person’s Crohn’s disease is severe enough, it may not be possible. In this case, the SSA can approve a person for long-term disability.
The SSA may request regular documentation of ongoing issues related to Crohn’s disease in order to continue long-term disability payments. This may include regular doctor’s letters, scans, or other medical tests to prove that the problems are persistent.
People with Crohn’s disease are entitled to the same disability benefits as anyone else with a disability. This includes financial compensation, but can also include other benefits such as disabled parking and a tax credit.
Disabled parking
A blue sign hanging on a rearview mirror indicates that a car is allowed to park in a disabled parking space. These tags are available to anyone who is disabled. According to the definition of the SSA, a person is disabled if:
- a person cannot work because of an illness that they previously did
- a person cannot adapt to another job because of their state of health
- a person’s disability has lasted or is expected to last at least a year or lead to death
State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) manage parking permits. To apply for a trademark, a person should contact their local DMV to find out the requirements, e.g. B. an application or a medical affidavit.
Disabled tax credit
While there is no specific disability tax credit, there is an Employment Income Tax Credit (EITC) that can be helpful for people with disabilities.
The EITC is aimed at people with low to middle incomes, including those whose main source of income is disability benefits. The credit can reduce the tax liability or even lead to a tax refund.
For information on eligibility to the EITC, see IRS Publication 596, What’s New for 2020?
Complications from Crohn’s disease can make work difficult or impossible. If so, the best option may be to contact the SSA to discuss disability benefits resources.
Individuals can check with their state government to see if they can apply for disability benefits. Some states have government disability programs that provide additional income or benefits.
Application for disability subject to social insurance
To apply for federal disability benefits through the SSA, an individual can visit the SSA website, apply over the phone, or apply in person at a local office. You need:
- Evidence of the diagnosis such as imaging, tests, endoscopy results, or doctor’s notes
- Laboratory tests done in the past year
- prescription drugs for Crohn’s disease
- Information about doctors who have consulted you
- W-2 forms from the previous year
- Proof of citizenship
- Financial records, bank statements, pay slips, insurance records, and rental or mortgage records
A person receives a reply in the mail with the decision of the SSA. Individuals have the right to appeal a decision in writing within 60 days.
Crohn’s disease is a common debilitating condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can severely limit a person’s ability to keep a consistent work schedule. Because of this, they can be entitled to disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration manages disability payments, which provide benefits on a monthly basis. The amounts are modest and may be the only income for someone who is otherwise unable to work because of Crohn’s disease.
In addition to cash payments, people with Crohn’s Disease may be eligible for additional benefits such as disabled parking and state income tax credit.
To learn more about disability benefits or to apply, visit the SSA website.
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