If someone you love suffers from mental retardation, it is likely they are going to need the support provided by Social Security disability benefits. In order to get them, you have to file a disability claim with the Social Security Administration, or SSA, and meet their criteria for disabilities in one of two ways:
- You can prove that you have a condition that matches something in their Listings of Impairments.
- You can use the Five Step Sequential Process to show that your impairment is the equivalent of something on that list, even though it does not exactly match any of the definitions given.
Most people prefer to utilize the first option because the clear criteria set down by the SSA makes it more straightforward. But what is the SSA’s Listings of Impairments?
As the name implies, it is a document that defines debilitating conditions the SSA recognizes as qualifying disabilities. Each condition on the list is defined, and a specific set of criteria that you have to meet to receive benefits is detailed. Show that you meet these medical requirements, and you will win your claim automatically.
So what are the requirements for the Mental Retardation listing?
How to Qualify for Benefits through Listing 12.05
Most people have a pretty decent idea of what mental retardation is, and the official listing from the SSA doesn’t do much to change this common knowledge. The one thing important to note, though, is that retardation here is defined as something that manifests itself during a person’s development. This means there needs to be evidence showing the impairment began before the person turned 22.
But what exactly do you need to show in order to qualify and get the needed benefits? Just meet one of the following four bullet points:
- The individual’s mental incapacity is such that he or she can’t follow directions and has to depend on others to do things like eat, bath, dress, and go to the bathroom.
- Receive a valid score of 59 or less on the verbal, performance, or full-scale IQ test.
- Receive a valid score of 60-70 on the verbal, performance, or full-scale IQ test, in addition to suffering from a secondary physical or mental impairment that limits your ability to work.
- Receive a valid score of 60-70 on the verbal, performance, or full-scale IQ test that causes one of the following:
- Your activities of daily living to be restricted
- Your social functioning to be extremely difficult
- Trouble with pace, persistence, or concentration
- Multiple and ongoing personality disturbances.
Beyond taking an IQ test and scoring at or below what is mentioned above, there are no medical tests the SSA accepts as proof that your condition qualifies you for benefits.
But what if you can’t prove that you meet the listing?
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Use the Five Step Sequential Process
People who can’t meet the definition in the Listings of Impairments may still be able to qualify for benefits by going through this process that we mentioned above. The Five Step Sequential Process is a way for you to prove to Social Security that your condition is the equivalent of something they have on the Listings of Impairments.
How do you do this? By showing them how your issue has kept you from being able to perform work for at least 12 months. There are some more twists and turns on this pathway, which is why you really want an experienced Social Security disability attorney by your side if you are going to attempt it.
Learn even more about the claims process by reading our Social Security Disability eBook for free!
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
