If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability, it may be possible to receive Social Security disability benefits. Thankfully, the Social Security Administration has abandoned the old term “mental retardation.” It now uses the phrase “intellectual disability,” which is more accurate and also more inclusive.
Intellectual disabilities vary, although common characteristics may include exceptionally low IQ test scores, difficulty remembering suitable social behavior, and trouble with problem-solving. Typically, people with intellectual disabilities are born with those disabilities. Children with intellectual disabilities may function normally immediately after birth; soon, however, they begin to intellectually develop more slowly than their peers. Additionally, people of any age who suffer a serious brain injury may suddenly display intellectual disability. A brain injury can alter the way a person thinks, remembers, and behaves.
Proving Disability: Medical Evidence and Financial Limits
Without regard to an intellectual disability’s source, the fact nevertheless remains: intellectual disability is tough for anyone to deal with, tough for family members to deal with, and it can often leave a person permanently unable to work. To obtain Social Security disability benefits, a person must meet the requirements set forth in the Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book” of disabilities and stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals.
Because intellectual disability is seldom obvious to the untrained eye, proving “significant deficits in adaptive functioning” can be challenging. The SSA requires objective evidence, such as:
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Standardized intelligence testing (e.g., WAIS-IV).
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Adaptive behavior scales (e.g., Vineland or ABAS).
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Longitudinal medical and educational records showing the impact on work or school over time.
The Importance of Specialized Legal Representation
Because it’s seldom obvious to the untrained eye, intellectual disability can be difficult to prove to the Social Security Administration. If you or a loved one needs to receive Social Security disability benefits because of intellectual disability, speak at once with an experienced Social Security disability attorney. When you apply for disability benefits, an experienced Social Security disability attorney can enhance your case with strong evidence, expert testimony, and quality legal counsel. A good disability lawyer will direct you step-by-step through the application procedure and will work hard to win the financial benefits that are legally yours. If you or a loved one is intellectually disabled and unable to work, speak to an experienced Social Security disability attorney as soon as possible.