Can Alcoholics Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

People with liver disease often attempt to claim Social Security Disability benefits. This is because the symptoms of liver disease can be so disabling that they can essentially make it impossible for those who have it to hold down on job. But with liver disease patients, an issue often comes up, and that is whether someone with liver disease who is an alcoholic can qualify for disability. Alcoholism can obviously lead to liver disease, so this is one of those tricky areas where it is not always clear whether an alcoholic can qualify for disability if the SSA finds out about the applicant’s history of alcohol abuse.

However, it must be stated that yes, an alcoholic with liver disease can qualify for disability. But it can be kind of tricky, and I believe it is best if you can show that your liver disease isn’t based on your alcohol abuse. As long as you can prove that your liver disease itself prevents you from working, you have a fair shot at winning.

Here are some additional tips. Social Security judges are more likely to be more understanding when an active drug user or alcoholic claimant is trying to make an effort to treat their addiction. So if you are an alcoholic, I strongly suggest that you enroll in some kind of treatment program prior to your Social Security hearing.

Also, never say that your alcoholism is the main reason you are disabled. You have to be sure to attribute your disability to your liver disease symptoms. At a hearing, try your best not to focus on the alcohol problem; rather, focus on physical and/or mental limitations that arise from your physical problem.

Last thing to note: At a hearing, you can help yourself by appearing to be someone who wants to work. never testify that you ‘do not want to work’ because of your illness. It is better to express that you are unable to work because of your impairment.

All this said, it can be harder for an alcoholic to win disability benefits, but it’s not impossible. It is advisable to hire an attorney if you think you are deserving of liver disability benefits but believe you may have a tough time winning based on your alcoholism.