How can addicts qualify for benefits?
Under Social Security, to receive disability benefits, an individual must have an impairment that is severe enough to make them unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity (defined as earnings of $500 or more per month) and that impairment must be a medically determinable physical or mental condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Last year, legislation was enacted which eliminated drug addiction and alcohol abuse as eligibility factors for Social Security disability benefits.
