If you become injured by no fault of your own, you may assume that you would be entitled to Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits if you are not able to work. However, if you are unable to work due to drug addiction or alcoholism, you may wonder if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.

SSDI Benefits in the Past

Prior to 1996, you were able to receive SSDI benefits even if the reason for your disability was your drug or alcohol addiction. However, there were concerns about people abusing the SSDI system.

The Role of Addiction in Your Disability

Today, you will only be able to receive SSDI benefits with an addiction if your addiction was not material to the condition that caused your disability. If you were able to quit your addiction and were then able to work, you may not be entitled to disability benefits. However, if the damage caused by your addiction continues to prevent you from working even after you have kicked the habit, you may be entitled to disability benefits depending on the nature of your injuries.

Overcoming your addiction will help you when filing your disability claim. Not only will it be better for your health, but the SSA can focus only on your disabling condition and not on your addiction. Also, if you develop another condition and your addiction is material to the condition, this might affect your ability to receive disability benefits based on the condition.

The Role of a Disability Attorney

Fortunately, if you are concerned about whether you may qualify for SSDI benefits, you can receive help from an experienced social security attorney. You should consider this even if you don't believe your condition is due to your addiction and even if you have kicked the habit. 

To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must earn less than $1,260 and the condition should be expected to last at least 12 months. While addictions can last for years, the SSA might believe that you have the ability to become clean in under that time frame. Finally, your condition must prevent you from performing your work.

The SSA will often be skeptical of whether you are able to work and many SSDI claims are denied. However, you will be able to overcome this with proper medical evidence. Even if your claim is denied, an attorney can represent you during your hearing and make the best possible case.