Can people get benefits for their alcohol or drug addiction?

Q: Can people suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction get Social Security disability benefits for their addiction?

​

A: Congress prohibits Social Security from paying disability benefits on the basis of alcoholism or drug addiction alone. However, just like anyone else, people suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction can have heart attacks, get cancer or get sick in other ways. Those who become disabled apart from alcoholism or drug addiction can be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, so long as their alcoholism or drug addiction is not a material contributing factor to their disability.