Mental Retardation

Claimants may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if they can prove they are unable to maintain substantial gainful employment because their mental and/or intellectual functioning is significantly below the average level of mental and/or intellectual functioning. Claimants who are mentally retarded generally qualify for benefits prior to the age of 22. The Social Security Administration will evaluate several criteria to determine a person's functional limitations and decide to what extent the Social Security Disability claimant has to rely on others (family members or friends) to complete their daily activities.