Simply put, even light alcohol consumption or occasional drug use might obstruct you from obtaining the Social Security Disability benefits you require. However, it’s not always the case that current drug or alcohol use necessitates surrendering the benefits you need. If you’re apprehensive that substance use could impede your benefit acquisition, it’s advisable to consult with a Social Security Disability lawyer without delay.
Reach out to (800) 435-7542 to connect with our team at PLBH immediately.
The Interplay of Substance Use and SSD Application Process
When you’re assessed by a medical practitioner for SSD benefits, queries about your drug and alcohol usage will be part of the evaluation. Depending on the health condition outlined in your SSD benefits application, you may need to provide more comprehensive information. This is due to the potential long-term health complications that could arise from even sporadic or moderate substance use, such as mental health problems, cardiovascular disease, and damage to internal organs.
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) finds that the condition for which you’re applying for SSD benefits is a direct outcome of substance abuse, you might be disqualified from receiving benefits.
The Need to Cease Substance Use for SSD Benefits
In certain scenarios, the SSA may necessitate that you quit drinking or undergo drug addiction therapy if it’s assessed that such measures could alleviate your condition. That is, if the SSA believes that addressing your substance use issue could rectify the health complication preventing you from maintaining employment, they might authorize benefits — but you might also have to pursue treatment.
However, you might not necessarily be obliged to alter your substance use habits if your primary disabling condition is not linked to substance abuse. Nonetheless, this is not always a given.
The Impact of Legal Representation in Navigating SSD Matters
Though a Social Security Disability attorney can’t alter the rules that the SSA follows, they can provide valuable guidance in navigating the system effectively and augmenting your likelihood of success. Our attorneys at PLBH are prepared to assist you in fulfilling all the requirements to apply for disability benefits and are committed to doing everything within their power to ensure you receive the necessary assistance.
Contact us now at (800) 435-7542 whether you are just getting started and need help applying, have already applied and been denied benefits, or are anywhere else in the process and need legal help.