Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Intellectual Disabilities
Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person has certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including conceptual, social and practical skills, such as language, social and self-care skills. These limitations can cause a person to develop and learn more slowly or differently than a typically developing person. Intellectual disability can happen any time before a person turns 22 years old, even before birth. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 12.05 of the Blue Book.
Do Intellectual Disabilities Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with intellectual disabilities do qualify, but they need to meet at least one of the below requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability:
- Mental incapacity, as shown by a dependence on others for basic personal needs and inability to follow directions, such that the use of standardized measures of intellectual functioning is precluded.
- A valid verbal, performance, or full scale IQ of 59 or less.
- A valid verbal, performance, or full scale IQ of 60 through 70 AND a physical or other mental impairment that imposes an additional and significant work-related functional limitation.
- A valid verbal, performance, or full scale IQ of 60 through 70, resulting in at least two of the following:
- Marked restriction of activities of daily living
- Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning
- Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace
- Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration.
If an individual with an intellectual disability doesn’t meet this listing, he or she may be eligible to qualify under a medical vocational allowance. This often occurs to disabled individuals who may not meet a Blue Book listing, but have a condition that reduces their functional capabilities to the point that they are unable to perform work.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with an intellectual disability and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
