Overview of Disability

Disability Back Pay

Disability Requirements

Disability Applications

Disability Advice Tips

How long do cases take?

How to win Disability

SSD Mistakes to avoid

Disability for Mental

What if you get denied?

How to file Appeals

Disability through SSA

SSI Disability Benefits

Disability for Children

How do I qualify for it?

Working and Disability

Disability Award Notice

Disability Lawyer Q&A

Disability Conditions List

What is a disability?

Your Medical Evidence

Filing for your Disability

Disability Eligibility

SSD SSI Definitions

Recent Questions

SSDRC Disability Blog

Does Social Security approve people for drug or alcohol abuse or use?

As to drug and alcohol use, Social Security uses a concept known as DAA materiality. Basically, the thinking goes like this: if a person who is abusing drugs or alcohol were to stop using those substances, would they still be so functionally impaired as to make them unable to work and earn a substantial and gainful income? If the answer is no, they would NOT be found to be disabled.

But, let's say, for example, that a person stopped drinking and their liver had been subjected to so much abuse over time that it was just too late. In that case, the alcohol abuse would NOT be material to the case because you just couldn't "walk back the damage". And that person might get approved. So, long story short, substance abuse doesn't get you approved necessarily. But in can potentially get you approved if the damage remains even if the alcohol or drug use stops.


Related pages:

Can you Receive Disability Benefits and have Assets, Investments, a Savings Account?
How many days do you have to file a disability appeal?
What are some Social Security Disability and SSI myths?
How to file for disability in Michigan
After you file disability forms
How are Are Social Security And Social Security Disability different?
Doing the next disability appeal
Filing for disability with MS, multiple Sclerosis
Questions asked at a social security disability or SSI hearing?
Social Security Disability denied
Disability denied twice
How many times will Social Security deny you?
How to file for disability in California
What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI?
Filing for disability with scoliosis



These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits

What mental problems qualify for disability?
SSI disability status
How to prove you qualify for disability
Qualifying for disability eligibility requirements
How Does Social Security Decide If You Are Disabled
How much does disability pay?
Factors involved in Winning SSDI or SSI Claims
Applying for disability with Degenerative Disc Disease
How long to get a Social Security decision letter?
What Does Social Security Consider To Be a Disability?
The amount of back pay that you receive
Social Security medical disability determination process
If You Get Approved For SSDI Will You Also Get Medicare?
How long can you receive SSI or Social Security disability benefits?
How Long Does A Social Security Disability Appeal Take?
Can you work if you get SSI disability?
Social Security Disability attorney fees
Am I eligible to receive disability benefits?
What are the non medical requirements for disability
How to get SSI
Approved for disability benefits
SSD SSI disability hearing decision