How Does Drug Addiction Affect Social Security?

If you want the answer to the question, “how does drug addiction affect social security,” it is important to know that social security benefits do not cover drug addiction. If you are seeking social security benefits because of drug addiction, you will be denied. However, if you are — or were in the past — addicted to drugs, you can still receive benefits. Below are some things you’ll want to keep in mind should you decide to apply for social security benefits while also having a diagnosed drug addiction.

When you file your social security claim, you’ll need to make sure you meet the following requirements:

1. You must make a working salary of less than $1,170 a month.
2. Your condition must be long-term (expecting to last at least a year).
3. Your condition must be damaging your ability to work.

Applying for Social Security if You’ve Had Past Drug Use

If you’ve suffered from permanent changes to your physical or mental health due to past drug addiction, you can qualify for social security benefits. Your condition will have to meet certain criteria depending on how it affects you. It’s best to speak with an attorney directly to discuss your specific case.

Applying for Social Security with a Current Drug Addiction

While you can’t receive social security benefits for your drug addiction, it’s still possible to receive benefits for a different condition while also dealing with drug addiction. However, if the Social Security Administration determines that your condition would go away if you were to stop using drugs, your claim will be denied.

Do You Need Medical Evidence?

If you’re claiming social security benefits due to a condition caused by past drug use, you’ll need to provide medical evidence through psychiatric reports, names and addresses of your doctors, and a full history of your medical records (including hospitalizations and medications).

If you have additional questions about claiming benefits while dealing with a current or past drug addiction, be sure to speak with an experienced attorney. We can help you determine whether or not your case is likely to qualify and help guide you through the process.

Applying for social security benefits? Don’t go it alone. Speak with an experienced attorney to help guide you through the process. Give us a call — at Oxner + Permar we offer a free consultation.