What you have to prove
Meet listing via: (1) hemorrhage from esophageal, gastric, or ectopic varices requiring transfusion; OR (2) ascites or hydrothorax not attributable to other causes despite treatment; OR (3) spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; OR (4) hepatorenal syndrome; OR (5) hepatopulmonary syndrome; OR (6) hepatic encephalopathy; OR (7) MELD score of 22 or greater on at least 2 evaluations at least 60 days apart within a 6-month period.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Lab work (MELD components: INR, creatinine, bilirubin), imaging, paracentesis records, endoscopy findings, and hepatologist notes.
Common misconceptions
Stable cirrhosis with good MELD scores under treatment often doesn't qualify. The listing has multiple alternative pathways — the MELD ≥22 route is often the cleanest for advanced disease.
Didn't meet the listing? You can still qualify via a Medical-Vocational
Allowance — SSA's determination that your residual functional capacity, combined with
your age, education, and work history, leaves no jobs you can do. See our
appeals guide for what to do after an initial denial.