Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis—can be unpredictable, painful, and exhausting. For some Illinois residents, IBD becomes so severe that working consistently is no longer possible.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes this reality. Under Listing 5.06, certain complications of IBD may qualify a person for Social Security Disability benefits without needing to prove anything further about their ability to work.
Below, we explain these rules in plain English, so you can understand what qualifies, who it affects, and why proper documentation matters.
What Is SSA Listing 5.06 for Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
SSA Listing 5.06 applies when IBD is medically documented by:
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Endoscopy
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Biopsy
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Imaging studies
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Surgical findings
Once IBD is confirmed, a person may qualify for disability benefits if they meet any one of the criteria below. You do not need to meet all of them—one qualifying category is enough.
A. Repeated Intestinal Obstructions Requiring Hospitalization or Surgery
IBD can cause narrowing (stenosis) of the intestines, leading to dangerous blockages.
You may qualify if:
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There is obstruction of narrowed areas in the small intestine or colon
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The blockage is confirmed by imaging or surgery
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You required two hospitalizations within 12 months, at least 60 days apart, for:
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Intestinal decompression, or
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Surgery related to the obstruction
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📌 Adhesions alone do not qualify—SSA focuses on obstruction caused by IBD-related narrowing.
B. Serious Ongoing Complications of IBD
You may qualify if two or more of the following occur within a 12-month period, at least 60 days apart:
1. Chronic Anemia
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Hemoglobin levels below 10.0 g/dL on two separate evaluations
2. Low Albumin (Poor Nutrition or Absorption)
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Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less on two evaluations
3. Painful Abdominal Mass
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A tender, palpable abdominal mass with documented pain or cramping
4. Perianal Disease
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A draining abscess or fistula, a common and debilitating complication of Crohn’s disease
5. Dependence on Supplemental Nutrition
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Daily tube feeding through a gastrostomy, duodenostomy, or jejunostomy, or
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Daily parenteral nutrition through a central venous catheter
C. Frequent IBD Flares That Severely Limit Daily Life
IBD is not just about lab results—it’s about how the disease disrupts daily functioning.
You may qualify if:
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You experience repeated IBD complications an average of three times per year (or once every four months)
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Each episode lasts two weeks or more
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And your condition causes marked limitation in at least one of the following:
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Activities of daily living (such as personal care or household tasks)
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Social functioning (interacting with others, maintaining relationships)
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Ability to concentrate, persist, or complete tasks on time
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SSA looks closely at how IBD affects real-world functioning, not just test results.
Intestinal Failure and Long-Term IV Nutrition (Listing 5.07)
Some individuals with severe IBD develop intestinal failure, often due to:
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Short bowel syndrome
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Chronic motility disorders
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Extensive small bowel disease
You may qualify under Listing 5.07 if:
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You require daily parenteral nutrition
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Nutrition is delivered through a central venous catheter
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Dependence has lasted at least 12 consecutive months
This level of impairment is typically considered disabling under SSA rules.
Why Disability Claims for IBD Often Get Denied
Many legitimate disability claims are denied because:
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Hospitalizations are not properly documented
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Lab values don’t clearly match SSA thresholds
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Medical records fail to show timing requirements
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Functional limitations are not fully explained
SSA listings are technical and unforgiving, even when the illness is severe.
Final Thoughts
IBD is not “just a stomach issue.” For many Illinois residents, it is a chronic, life-altering condition that interferes with work, relationships, and daily life. If your symptoms meet SSA’s criteria, you may be entitled to disability benefits—but the details matter.
📞 If you have questions about your estate plan or a probate matter, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.
