Does Substance Abuse Impact Your Social Security Disability Claim?

Posted June 9, 2023 by Premier Disability Services, LLC®

Picture this: you’re thumbing through your medical records in preparation for your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim. Suddenly, you stumble upon a note from your doctor – something about substance abuse. Your heart sinks. Will this affect your claim? Is it a disqualifier?

Before panic sets in, let’s unpack this topic and gain some clarity on how substance abuse can potentially influence your SSDI claim.

The Social Security Administration’s Stance

The Social Security Administration (SSA) addresses substance abuse issues explicitly in its regulations. However, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from benefits. The main concern that the SSA has is whether substance abuse is “material” to your disability – in other words, if your disability would improve to the point of you being able to work if you stopped using substances.

The Materiality Test

Let’s dive a bit deeper into this so-called “materiality test”. Say you suffer from liver disease related to alcohol use. If abstaining from alcohol would reasonably be expected to improve your condition such that you could return to work, the SSA could deny your claim. However, if your disability would remain severe even without substance use – say you have irreversible liver damage – your claim could still be accepted.

Dual Diagnosis: A Complicated Picture

Sometimes, substance abuse and mental health conditions go hand in hand, a situation referred to as “dual diagnosis”. The SSA examines such cases very carefully. For instance, if you’re struggling with both depression and substance abuse, the SSA will try to determine if your depression is severe enough to warrant disability benefits even if you were to stop using substances.

Navigating the SSDI Process with a Substance Abuse History

If you’ve battled with substance abuse, the SSDI application process might feel like navigating a minefield. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

Be Honest –  Honesty is the best policy when applying for SSDI. Misrepresenting your substance use could hurt your credibility and impact your claim.

Gather Detailed Medical Evidence – Comprehensive medical records documenting your disability and any substance abuse can provide a clear picture of your situation.

Seek Legal Advice – If you’re unsure how your history of substance abuse may impact your claim, consider consulting with a disability attorney or advocate.

Remember, while a history of substance abuse can complicate your SSDI claim, it’s not an automatic disqualifier. It’s about your current health state and your ability (or lack thereof) to work.
Still have questions about how substance abuse can impact your SSDI claim? The Social Security Administration offers more detailed guidance in its Handbook on Disability Evaluation. Don’t let uncertainty deter you from pursuing the benefits you may be eligible for.