Qualifying for SSD with Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual disabilities affect about two percent of the U.S. population. There are numerous causes for intellectual disabilities and mental disorders, but doctors are only able to pinpoint the cause on a case-by-case basis about 25 percent of the time.

The severity of intellectual disability varies greatly. Some individuals are profoundly affected and need constant care, while others are only mildly impaired and can lead relatively normal lives. Symptoms of intellectual disability include:

• Childlike behavior
• Inability to learn or decreased learning ability
• Inability to meet established criteria in school
• Lack of interest in surroundings and environment

Social Security Disability Benefits for Intellectual Impairments

According to the SSA, intellectual disabilities refer to mental incapacity, mental impairment, and significantly impaired cognitive function. The evidence of the condition should show it occurred before age 22.

The tests to prove intellectual disabilities include the following criteria; only one must be met:

• A valid verbal, performance, or IQ of 59 or less
• A valid verbal, performance, or IQ of 60 to 70, and a physical or other mental impairment that resulted in at least two of the following:
  • Restriction of daily activities
  • Difficulty maintaining social functions
  • Difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace
  • Episodes of decompensation (which means that your child withdraws when in a stressful situation, or if he or she “blows up” when upset) that last for extended periods of time

Intellectual Disabilities Deserve SSD Benefits

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we know that having a loved one with an intellectual disability can be emotionally and financially hard on your entire family. In addition to being unable to work, your loved one also may require expensive medical care that you can’t afford. The SSA categorizes intellectual disabilities as disabling conditions, but the SSD approval process is difficult and complex.

Our Social Security Disability lawyers know how the system works, and we can help build a strong claim for your loved one. Contact us today to see if you or your loved one qualify for SSD with an intellectual disability.