For people in New Jersey who are addicted to drugs or alcohol and have medical issues that render them unable to work because of them, it is possible to get Supplemental Security Income provided they meet the basic requirements of being disabled, blind or 65 or older. However, with these addictions, there are other rules for SSI that the person must follow when it comes to treatment. Failure to do so can lead to losing SSI eligibility. It is important to understand and adhere to these requirements to continue getting SSI-related benefits.
When the addiction is a contributing factor to the person being deemed disabled, it is required that the treatment for the addiction be taken and it be done at an approved facility with progress in that treatment. Those who have been found to have failed in complying with the requirements will be informed of this and the SSI benefits will stop the next month. Those who have had their benefits stopped due to a lack of compliance can get the benefits again after they have complied for a certain amount of time.
People who have gotten SSI for 36 months cannot get SSI if their disability has come about because of alcoholism or drug addiction if SSI was received for 36 months beforehand and it was due to alcoholism or drug addiction and it began in March 1995. This does not include months prior to March 1995 and months where the benefits were suspended. That time frame is not applicable for months after September 2004.
Addictions can cause many problems in a person’s life and can cause disabling conditions. The Social Security Administration is willing to help people who have become disabled because of alcoholism or drug addiction, but the requirements must be met in terms of seeking and adhering to treatment protocol. The failure to do so can result in the SSI benefits being stopped. People who are disabled due to alcoholism or drug addiction and meet the other SSI requirements can get benefits, but it is imperative to stay within the rules of a program and show progress to maintain the benefits. Having legal help when seeking SSI or trying to retain or restart SSI is critical. A law firm that specializes in Supplemental Security Income can help.
