Introduction to Social Security
Disability Benefits

Fetal Alcohol And Drug Unit
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
University of Washington School of Medicine
&
University of Washington School of Law

The Social Security Administration has a number of different benefit programs for which an individual with FAS/FAE might be eligible. Those programs vary in several important ways. First, the eligibility requirements are different; a person with FAS/FAE may be eligible for only one program, for several programs, or for none. Second, the amount of money paid under these programs differs. If an individual might be eligible for several kinds of benefits, be sure to apply for all relevant benefits, not just one.

The Social Security Administration and private organizations have prepared useful general summaries of the Social Security benefit programs for persons with disabilities. A valuable guide to obtaining benefits for persons with FAS/FAE is contained in "FAS and The Social Security Disability Process: Navigating the System."

Both the Social Security Administration and federal courts have recognized that FAS/FAE can result in disabilities serious enough to qualify for benefits. But the mere fact that someone has FAS will not necessarily mean that he or she is so badly disabled that he or she will be able to obtain benefits. What determines whether an individual may be able to obtain benefits is how seriously his or her ability to function has been affected by FAS/FAE.

Decisions by the Social Security Administration awarded benefits to individuals with FAS/FAE examine the specific disabilities that the individual has because of FAS/FAE. For copies of such decisions, contact us at faslaw@u.washington.edu.

**Benefits for children

**Benefits for adults

**How to apply

**What to do if your claim is denied

**Getting assistance in applying for benefits

**Contact us




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