Some conditions are hard to talk about. People may find it easier to tell friends and family they have a spinal injury or lupus than a psychological condition. But almost 20 percent of people in the United States suffer from some form of mental illness. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly one third of disability claims arise from this type of claim. Don’t be embarrassed by mental illness, especially when it prevents you from working. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits may make a difference for you.
Mental Health Issues That May Qualify
The Social Security Administration may qualify some of the following conditions for disability benefits:
- Neurocognitive disorders may affect as memory, decision making, judgment, language, and speech.
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders may cause hallucinations, social withdrawal, and paranoia.
- Depressive, bipolar and related disorders affect moods, cause loss of interests or pleasure in activities, and suicidal ideation.
- Intellectual disorders refer to below average intellectual functioning.
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms may cause excessive anxiety, worry, fear, avoidance, restlessness and panic attacks.
- Somatic symptom and related disorders may be difficult to provide. Some of the symptoms relate to physical conditions like fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and so on.
- Personality and impulse-control disorders may include distrust, social detachment, and impulsivity.
While this list is not complete, it should leave you with one conclusion: some mental illnesses are treated as disabilities under Social Security guidelines.
So, how can you go about getting Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if you have a mental illness?
How to Support Your Claim
Every illness or condition has to meet the same kind of guidelines to qualify for SSDI benefits. Proving mental illness can be difficult. For example, a broken back is more obvious than depression. Many of the tests for mental conditions are subjective and difficult to support.
And you still have to answer the big questions: Will this condition last for more than 12 months? Does this condition prevent you from working? Are your activities of daily life (ADL) affected by your mental illness?
However, in general, the Social Security Administration needs objective and reliable medical evidence that assess the severity of your disorder and how it affects your ability to work.
Provide all the medical records you can. Tell your medical providers you are making a disability claim. Make sure your application is complete and that you cooperate with your caseworkers.
Also, as with any other disability claim, continue to see your health care providers. Failing to follow your doctor’s directions could lead to a denial of your disability claim.
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance Is Hard. We Can Help.
The application process can be long and frustrating. It’s important to have someone who knows the system help you right from the start.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience in the legal field. Call us at 714-385-8100 to set up a free consultation. Though our office is conveniently located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
