Illegal Drugs, Alcohol and your Social Security case DON’T mix!
Several years ago, the Social Security Administration provided disability benefits to individuals based on their addictions to controlled substances such as Alcohol and Illegal Drugs. However, the Social Security Administration reversed this position and now, individuals who are applying for disability benefits must keep in mind the impact that illegal drugs or alcohol may have on their case.
The regulations refer to this as standard as the materiality standard. In other words, the SSA wants to know what type of impact that drugs or alcohol may have on your case.
Here’s how it works, suppose you’re alleging that you’re depressed. However, at the same time, you’re using an illegal drug like ‘cocaine or marijuana’. Well, the question the SSA is going to ask is if you stopped using cocaine or marijuana (or whatever illegal substance), will you improve? If your condition improves, then it is assumed that the drugs are material to you being found disabled.
Now, every situation is a little different but it’s important to remember that illegal drugs or alcohol will NOT help your social security claim. it’s important that you realize that if you are applying for disability benefits, any use of illegal drugs or alcohol may have an adverse effect on your case. So please keep these things in mind.
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4 Responses to “Illegal Drugs, Alcohol and your Social Security case DON’T mix!”
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The following is taken from our recent article on Michael Jackson:
“Lest you be confused about this drug thing, there is little difference between illegal/recreational drugs, and prescription drugs, with the exceptions being the legitimacy of the “entity” which produces them, who gets to prescribe them, and whether politicians benefit. Drugs be drugs.
“Take it from some guys who matured (arguably) during the drugs, sex, and rock and roll years. We know lots of successful doctors, business people, family people, accountants, judges, and pillars of society who once used drugs in many a form and fashion. Fortunately for most of them and for society, they appreciated that drugs might be an interesting pastime, but not a life long journey.”
ms.jesus residing at 44 w.acacia #1 is using illegal drugs. she also has a drug dealer staying with her. she also drinks alchol when she can get it. she lets all kinds of people in her house as long as they have drugs to share. i dont think people living off of social security should be able to have people living there. she also has a boyfriend living there and he has been convicted of drug sales.he still does drugs there is traffic goin in n out of there all day n nite. she also wants to fight and gets very loud when she is drinking.and her Karen French residing at 929 commerce #2 also uses drugs.And its her son that has been convicted of drug sales he does not work he lives off of the both of them.
Thanks for your response. i’m going to respond to your post separately.
Dear Anthony Reeves, Esquire :
I appreciate your website. I am currently receiving social security disability for arthritis, cervical and focal dystonia, fibromyalgia, and hypertension. I have explored some of the research done on the medicinal benefits of marijuana. Can you tell me the possible effect that marijuana use for my uncontrolled chronic pain may have on my social security benefits ? In appreciation of your time, Louise Terry.