Seeking Disability Benefits With a History of Alcoholism? Our Knowledgeable SSDI Lawyers Can Help
You’ve worked hard to overcome your addiction to alcohol, but you’re worried if your past alcoholism will prevent you from getting the financial support you need. A history of alcohol abuse does not, in and of itself, disqualify you from receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, it can complicate your eligibility and application process.
An experienced SSDI lawyer can guide you through these challenges and present your case as effectively as possible to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How Past Alcoholism Can Affect Your SSDI Claim
Applying for SSDI can be difficult, especially when alcoholism is involved. While a history of alcohol abuse or addiction doesn't automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits, it can impact your claim in several ways:
- The SSA doesn't consider alcohol abuse or addiction as an impairment on its own. This means you can't base your disability claim solely on alcoholism.
- If you have other impairments, the SSA will consider your claim. They'll evaluate how these medical conditions affect your ability to work, regardless of your history with alcohol.
- The SSA will also consider your claim if your addiction caused or contributed to your disability. For example, alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease or brain damage, which could qualify you for benefits.
- If you're currently struggling with alcohol abuse, the SSA may have concerns about your ability to manage your benefits. They might require a representative payee to handle your funds.
- The SSA will evaluate whether your alcohol use contributes to your disability. If they determine you would still be disabled even if you stopped drinking, your chances of approval improve dramatically.
The SSA's Evaluation Process for Alcohol-Related Claims
The Social Security Administration follows a specific process when evaluating SSDI applications involving alcohol abuse. This process is outlined in the Social Security Code of Federal Regulations § 416.935.
- The SSA first determines if you have a medically determinable impairment, whether or not it is listed in their Blue Book.
- They assess whether this impairment is sufficiently disabling.
- The SSA considers whether drug addiction or alcoholism is a contributing factor to your disability.
- They evaluate whether you would still be disabled if you stopped using drugs or alcohol.
- If the SSA determines your disability would improve enough that you could work if you stopped drinking, they may deny your claim.
The Importance of Supporting Medical Evidence
When applying for SSDI with a history of alcohol abuse, providing comprehensive medical evidence is crucial. Documentation from acceptable medical sources (AMS) demonstrates the full extent of your disabilities and how they impact your ability to work. Try your best to include such evidence as:
- Medical records documenting your physical and mental health conditions
- Treatment records for alcohol abuse, including any rehabilitation programs you've completed
- Statements from healthcare providers about your current health status and limitations
- Documentation of any ongoing treatment for alcohol-related conditions
- Evidence of how your disabilities affect your daily life and ability to work
You can further supplement your application with a personal disability journal or third-party function reports. They can help to give the SSA more context about your impairment.
How an Experienced SSDI Lawyer Can Help Your Case
An experienced disability lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the SSDI application process.
- Case evaluation. They can assess your situation and advise on the strength of your claim.
- Evidence gathering. Your lawyer can collect and organize the medical evidence to support your case.
- Application preparation. They can ensure your application is complete and accurately represents your situation.
- Communication with SSA. Your lawyer can handle correspondence and clarify any questions the SSA may have about your claim.
- Appeal. If your initial claim is denied, as can be the case in up to two-thirds of applications, an SSDI lawyer can guide you through the appeals process.
Your Advocate in the SSDI Application Process
At Keefe Disability Law, we understand the unique challenges faced by SSDI applicants with a history of alcohol abuse. Our experienced team is committed to helping you through every step of the application process, offering compassionate support and clear communication so you fully understand your rights and options.
Don't let your history of alcohol abuse prevent you from seeking the SSDI benefits you need and deserve. While past alcoholism can complicate your claim, it doesn't make you ineligible for benefits. With the right approach and professional guidance, you can present a strong case to the SSA.