My adult son has an IQ test score of 76 and was denied Social Security benefits for intellectual disorder. He has never been able to hold a job. Is he eligible for benefits?

Yes. Though your son’s IQ score disqualifies him from Social Security for intellectual disorder, he may be able eligible for benefits due to the hardship created by a combination of issues. These would include lower than average intelligence, also known as borderline intellectual functioning, and other physical or mental health problems.

Even in situations when no one of these mental functional capacity limitations constitutes a disability according to Social Security’s standards, it is possible demonstrate that together, finding and keeping a job is an extraordinary hardship for the applicant.

Before you submit an application for your son, you’ll want to do the following:

• Gather any special education records.
• Diagnostic and treatment information regarding his anxiety and behavior issues.
• Collect statements from people who’ve instructed, trained, or worked with your son.
• Gather job and education-related reviews and assessments, highlighting any documentation of disciplinary action or reason for discharge from former employers.
• Start working with a qualified disability attorney while you are still preparing the initial application for your son.

Don’t wait! Call 402-933-5405 or email us at [email protected] to arrange a free case evaluation from the disability attorneys at Cuddigan Law. Also, ask for our complimentary booklet, Give Yourself the Best Chance of Winning Your Social Security Disability Case. We meet clients by appointment in our Omaha and Lincoln offices.