Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Social Security Disability
Dec 29th, 2009 by admin
If you have a drug and/or alcohol addition problem and you are applying for Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income, please note that your addiction may prevent you from being eligible to receive benefits. In the past, it was possible to receive benefits based upon substance addictions. However that has changed and currently the Administration must consider wether substance abuse is an issue and if it is, whether it is a material factor contributing to your disability. If it is determined that your substance abuse is contributing to your disability, your claim may be denied on that basis. Whether your addiction contributes materially, is a decision that the Administrative Law Judge will make. Most judges will want to see the addiction in remission for a substantial period of time prior to granting benefits. If you have an addiction problem, it is best to discuss this with your physician and request that your physician recommend a treatment program which could help you with your substance abuse issue.
If you have any questions regarding a Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income claim, please do not hesitate to contact me at Sims & Stakenborg 352-629-0480 or you may wish to visit our website at www.ocalaw.com
