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Automatic Disability for Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract, most often the lower part of the small intestine. Experts don’t know for sure what causes it. There is treatment but no cure.

  1. Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

    • Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include stomach pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fever and rectal bleeding. Persistent and severe bleeding can lead to anemia, which causes severe fatigue. Malnutrition may result if diarrhea is severe.

    How Disabling Is It?

    • Crohn’s disease often responds well to medication and sufferers can lead relatively normal lives. In some cases, though, complications arise that must be treated surgically. Some people with Crohn’s disease require multiple hospitalizations for the condition.

    Social Security Disability Insurance

    • Social Security Disability Insurance provides a month check for people unable to work due to a medical condition or disability as long as their symptoms are expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security does not automatically approve anyone for disability, though. People must demonstrate that their condition prevents them from working.

    State Disability

    • Some states, including California, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Hawaii, offer disability programs for those unable to work due to a disability or medical condition. The programs vary from state to state, but people must prove they are unable to work due to their condition. They will not be automatically approved.

    Short-Term Disability Insurance

    • Some people purchase short-term disability insurance that provides coverage if they are unable to work for a short time due to illness or disability. Coverage varies from policy to policy, but short-term illness or disability due to Crohn’s disease will usually be covered.

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