I've been asked a number of times how disabled you have to be in order to qualify for a service dog. Is it enough to have been diagnosed with a disability like a visual impairment, a seizure disorder, multiple sclerosis, or depression? Is it enough to have been approved for Social Security disability benefits?
To qualify for a service dog, you have to be disabled according to the definition provided in the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act says that you must have substantial limitations with regard to one or more major life activities. Major life activities include things like seeing, hearing, walking, thinking, and communicating.
Your limitations must be substantial, so the fact that I wear glasses doesn't mean I'm disabled under the ADA definition. While I don't see very well without my glasses, with them I see well enough to read books, drive a car, and do all the basic things I need to do every day. My poor eyesight is not a disability.
Likewise, I have a friend that has been diagnosed with depression. He takes medication for it and some days he doesn't have much energy and feels really down. However, he is able to hold down a job, take care of his home, take care of his pets, shop for groceries and prepare meals for himself, bathe and dress himself, remember to take his medication every day as prescribed, etc. His depression doesn't prevent him from seeing, hearing, walking, thinking, or communicating. He is not disabled under the ADA definition.
It's possible to qualify for Social Security disability benefits but still not qualify for a service dog. If you have questions about whether or not you are disabled under the ADA definition, talk with your physician and other health care professionals. Of course, you can also consult an attorney.
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