By Norman Homen | July 13, 2021 | Comments Off on IQ and Winning Disability Benefits
Your intelligence quotient (IQ) is a score intended to measure your intelligence and mental ability in comparison to others. Some people have low IQs that qualify as an intellectual disability, and in many cases, such individuals can find full-time work that they can perform. However, if this type of intellectual disability prohibits someone from holding down full-time employment, they might qualify forSocial Security disability benefits.
Eligibility Based on Low IQ
The SSA has listings of qualified disabilities, and a person with a low IQ can qualify as disabled if they meet the listing criteria. First, the intellectual disability must have been obvious prior to age 22, and the individual must have a full-scale IQ of 70 or lower. Someone might also qualify with a full-scale score of 71 to 75 if their performance or verbal score was 70 or lower.
In addition to the IQ score, the individual must also experience functional limitations with one or more of the following:
- Comprehension and remembering information
- Social interaction and appropriate behaviors
- Self-management skills
- Concentration and the ability to complete tasks
If a person’s functioning is low enough that they cannot complete an IQ test to get a proper score, they can be eligible for disability benefits if they demonstrate that they rely on others (such as parents) for everyday personal care.
Loss of Intellectual Functioning Later in Life
Not everyone with a low IQ had intellectual disabilities prior to age 22, as some of these impairments occur due to a condition or injury developed later in life. Some causes of intellectual disabilities might include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Early-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Early-onset Parkinson’s disease
These individuals would not be evaluated by the SSA under the intellectual disability listing, but instead under the neurocognitive disorders listing.
What Evidence Do You Need to Prove a Disability Due to Low IQ?
Like any disability applicant, you need to provide sufficient evidence of your disability to qualify for benefits. Evidence needed in cases involving low IQ might include:
- Results of psychological testing
- IQ test scores
- Detailed reports from medical professionals regarding mental and physical limitations
- Types of jobs that have been attempted in the past
- Reports from caregivers regarding how much care the applicant requires
- Reports from special education programs or individual educational programs (IEPs)
If the individual also has physical limitations combined with their low IQ, they will need to present records and reports to demonstrate those limitations, as well.
Keep in mind that the SSA has standards for IQ testing, including the type of test and the administrator of the test. In some cases, the SSA requests an applicant to undergo testing of its own choosing before issuing benefits.
Speak with a California Disability Attorney
If you or someone you love cannot work due to low IQ and related intellectual disabilities, you should not hesitate to seek help from an El Monte social security disability lawyer. The right representation can help the claim process go smoothly and increase your chances of receiving benefits.
As a seasoned expert in the field of disability benefits, particularly those related to low IQ and intellectual disabilities, my extensive knowledge allows me to delve into the intricacies of the concepts discussed in the article by Norman Homen. My expertise is backed by a comprehensive understanding of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) criteria, the nuances of IQ testing, and the evidentiary requirements crucial for qualifying for disability benefits.
The article highlights the correlation between low IQ and eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. To be eligible, individuals must meet specific criteria set by the SSA. One key requirement is that the intellectual disability must have been evident before the age of 22, and the individual must have a full-scale IQ of 70 or lower. Alternatively, a person may qualify with a score of 71 to 75 if their performance or verbal score was 70 or lower.
In addition to the IQ score, functional limitations in various areas such as comprehension, social interaction, self-management skills, and concentration are taken into consideration. The article also touches upon cases where individuals experience a loss of intellectual functioning later in life due to conditions like traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, or Parkinson's disease. In such instances, evaluation shifts to the neurocognitive disorders listing rather than the intellectual disability listing.
The evidentiary requirements outlined in the article are critical for establishing a disability claim. Applicants must provide evidence such as results of psychological testing, IQ test scores, detailed reports from medical professionals regarding mental and physical limitations, and records from caregivers and educational programs. Importantly, the article emphasizes the SSA's standards for IQ testing, including the type of test and the test administrator, and mentions the possibility of SSA-requested testing before benefits are granted.
The information underscores the importance of seeking legal representation, particularly from a California Disability Attorney, to navigate the complexities of the claim process successfully. A knowledgeable attorney can help gather the necessary evidence, ensure compliance with SSA standards, and improve the likelihood of receiving disability benefits for individuals unable to work due to low IQ and associated intellectual disabilities.
