Direct answer
Can I get SSDI for liver disease or cirrhosis?
Yes — chronic liver disease can qualify for SSDI when it meets SSA Listing 5.05, which requires documented findings such as esophageal-variceal hemorrhage, ascites or hydrothorax, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, or end-stage liver disease scoring criteria.
The SSA evaluates gastroenterology and hepatology records, imaging, endoscopy, and lab work including MELD or SSA-CLD scoring where applicable.
Sourced from ssa.gov — see citations below.
What listing applies?
Listing 5.05 (chronic liver disease) under the digestive-system listings.
What evidence matters?
Hepatology records, imaging, endoscopy, lab trends (bilirubin, INR, albumin), and hospitalization records for decompensation.
What if I don't meet 5.05?
The SSA evaluates residual functional capacity — fatigue, encephalopathy, and complication effects can still rule out sustained work.
Topics
Sources
Every figure and rule on this page is drawn from official SSA publications. Verify at the links below.
- SSA — Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) (ssa.gov)
- SSA — Adult Listings 5.00 Digestive (ssa.gov)