Drug addiction can have a negative impact on your application for Social Security disability. Depending on the effect that the addiction has had on your health, there is a chance that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will reject your application. If you are planning on applying for disability and have a drug addiction, here is what you need to know.

Will Your Application Be Automatically Denied?

Admitting to drug use does not necessarily mean that your application for disability benefits will be automatically denied. The SSA is more concerned with whether or not your disability is the result of drug use and how it impacts your future health. If your drug use is considered to be a contributing factor to your disability, there is a chance that your application will be denied.

For instance, if repeated drug use led to a stroke that has prevented you from working, the SSA might reject your application. It is important to note that there is still a possibility that the agency will approve your application. The agency would evaluate whether or not you would still be considered disabled if the drug addiction was not a factor.

If you had another medical condition that impacted your ability to work, such as cancer, even if the stroke was caused by the drug use, you could potentially still qualify for benefits.

What If You Continue to Use Drugs?

In the event that you continue to use drugs, it could adversely impact your chances of being approved for benefits. This is especially true if the SSA believes that your addiction could lead to your medical condition worsening.

Even if you have been approved for benefits, you could still lose them due to drug addiction. Periodical re-evaluations of your eligibility are conducted by the SSA. At that time, the SSA will review your medical records to determine if your continued drug use has further worsened your health. If so, you could possibly lose some or all of your benefits.

What Can You Do?

Ideally, you should seek professional help for the addiction. By seeking professional help, you are not only taking steps to tackle the addiction, but you are helping to make the case to the SSA that you are doing everything possible to recover. It could make the difference between being approved and rejected for benefits.

You should also work with your attorney to find other ways to protect your right to benefits. He or she can recommend measures that you can take that apply specifically to your case. For more information, contact local professionals like Diamond Law Offices.