Can You Receive SSDI if Your Disability is Related to Drugs or Alcohol?
There are thousands of people that struggle with addictions to alcohol and drugs in Pennsylvania. Sometimes, these addictions cause people to become injured, or those addicted simply get injured just like anyone else. Those injuries leave them unable to work and they are left wondering how they are going to pay for their daily living expenses. When that is the case, many wonder if they are eligible to apply for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). The good news is that yes, they can.
If you have suffered a disability and are also suffering from a drug or alcohol condition, it does not affect your right to receive SSDI. An experienced Pennsylvania SSDI attorney can help you get the benefits you need.
Applying for SSDI with an Addiction
Today it is well-known that alcohol and drug addiction is a disease. This has been clearly evidenced by the nationwide opioid epidemic alone. Still, SSDI operates on a no-fault system. This means you will not have to prove that your injury did not occur as a result of your addiction. It also means that if an addiction is preventing you from working, you can still receive SSDI.
However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict requirements for anyone applying for SSDI. If you do not meet their eligibility criteria, your application for SSDI will be denied. Before approving your claim, the SSA will also determine if there is evidence to indicate a drug or alcohol problem. If there is, they may impose additional requirements.
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Requirements
While you are receiving SSDI benefits, the SSA will still require certain things of you. For example, they require that injured individuals continue seeing their doctor and following through with treatment. This is so they can recover from their disability and go back to work.
Treating an alcohol or drug addiction is no different. If the SSA finds there is evidence of an addiction, they may require you to attend an alcohol or drug treatment program. In most cases, there is no cost to you for attending these programs.
However, you are still expected to attend regularly and complete all course requirements. If you fail to meet this requirement, the SSA will likely stop your SSDI benefits.
Need Help with Your Application? Contact Our Pennsylvania SSDI Lawyers
If you’ve suffered a disability on top of your addiction, you need a Scranton Social Security disability lawyer that can help. At Haggerty, Hinton & Cosgrove, LLP, we know that even with all the awareness today, there is still a stigma attached to substance abuse. We will not let that get in the way of your claim, and we will aggressively pursue the benefits you need. If you have been denied benefits, we can also help with your appeal by preparing arguments and collecting evidence to substantiate your claim. Call us today at 570-344-9845 or contact us online to discuss your legal options.
Resource:
ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
https://www.haggertylaw.net/the-four-levels-of-appeal-when-youve-been-denied-ssdi/
