You can’t receive Social Security disability benefits based on drug addiction even if your dependence on drugs makes it impossible for you to work. So if drug addiction is your only impairment, you don’t qualify for disability benefits.
Does Social Security pay drug addicts?
Alcoholics and drug addicts may receive SSI payments as disabled persons if they meet the definition of disability in the Social Security Act.
Can you get disability if you have an alcohol or drug addiction?
Currently drug or alcohol addiction alone is not enough to warrant disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits are not available to those that have a disabling condition that stems from an addiction, if the condition is considered to be reversible.
Can a drug or alcohol addiction affect Social Security benefits?
When applying for Social Security benefits, it is important to know that drug or alcohol use may affect the benefits that an individual is able to receive. Currently, drug or alcohol addiction alone is not enough to warrant disability benefits.
Can you get Social Security disability if you stop using drugs?
However, if the SSA determines that your illness would go away if you stopped abusing drugs, the SSA can properly deny your claim. For instance, if you have drug-induced hepatitis, the SSA would likely find that it would go away if you quit using drugs.
How does the Social Security Administration check for drug use?
To determine whether your drug use is material or immaterial to your disability, the SSA will perform a drug/alcohol addiction (DAA) evaluation. If you win your claim for disability but the SSA believes you are still using drugs, the SSA may require that you attend treatment for your drug addiction and that you have a representative payee.
