A person with a learning disability may be eligible for SSDI or SSI.
It is often challenging to be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplement Security Income (SSI), particularly if you file an application without the assistance of an experienced Social Security disability benefits attorney. Understanding what the Social Security Administration (SSA) will and will not accept as a disability can be difficult, particularly if you are already struggling with the effects of the disability.
Many Americans — both children and adults — have been diagnosed with learning disabilities. Depending on the severity of the condition and its impact on an individual’s life, a learning disability may qualify an individual for SSDI or SSI.
For children with learning disabilities, the SSA will analyze limitations in a child’s ability to acquire and use information, attend and complete tasks, interact socially, move and manipulate objects, handle their own self-care, or health and physical well-being. According to a skilled Social Security disability benefits attorney, this examination may involve reviewing a child’s IQ test, IEP or 504 plan, school reports, and progress notes from medical professionals.
Adults may also receive Social Security disability benefits if they have a learning disability. However, these cases are often more challenging, particularly if the applicant has worked in the past. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may question why a person with a learning disability has been able to work in the past, yet is unable to work now. In some cases, a seasoned Social Security disability benefits attorney can argue that past employers were able to make accommodations for the learning disability that current employers are unwilling to make.
The SSA will look to the Listing of Impairments to determine if a learning disability qualifies as a disability. The residual functional capacity of an individual is used to determine his or her ability to work at a full-time job. The SSA will consider all disabling conditions in making this evaluation, such as a learning disability, back pain, or a heart condition.
While a learning disability may not be as clear-cut as other types of disabilities for purposes of obtaining Social Security disability benefits, there are a number of limitations that are presented with learning disabilities that can make it difficult for an individual to be gainfully employed in a full-time position. For example, a person with a learning disability may not be able to stay on task, respond appropriately to coworkers or customers, or to remember job tasks. A Social Security disability benefits attorney can work with you to help you put together a strong case for SSDI or SSI if you have a learning disability.
At PLBH, we have significant experience helping people with disabilities obtain benefits. Contact our office today at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com to learn more about how we can help you.