Social Security Disability Mental Health

What Mental Disorders Qualify For Social Security Disability?

Around 13% of the entire world’s population is suffering from some kind of mental disorder. With recurring problems, it becomes difficult for individuals to carry out daily activities or maintain gainful employment. Fortunately, people with a mental disorder are covered by the Social Security Administration under two distinctive programs.

Complicated rules and regulations govern whether a person qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for a mental disorder; however, the more severe your condition, the more likely your benefits application will be approved. The SSA has published a list of qualifying medical impairments commonly referred to as the Blue Book. Among the many conditions listed are depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, etc.

Applicants who meet the criteria noted in the Blue Book will be approved for disability benefits. Even if the mental disorder or condition is not listed in the Blue Book, an applicant can still be approved to receive Social Security benefits for mental health.

Types of Mental Disorders Listed in the Blue Book:

Affective disorders- also called mood disorder, is a disorder that affects the general mood of an individual, displaying an emotional state that is inconsistent with the individual’s circumstances. This disorder can interfere with your ability to function normally due to extreme sadness, irritability, or periods of alternating depression and excessive happiness.

Anxiety Disorders- A claimant must frequently experience persistent anxiety. He may also experience unpredictable panic attacks, fear, or recurring compulsion, making it difficult to work.

Autism and related disorders- A claimant must be unable to communicate effectively and engage in activities demanded by their profession. He may also be unable to interact socially. All these create a hindrance to maintaining employment. Thus, they may be eligible for SSD mental health benefits.

Mental retardation- A person with medical evidence of poor IQ (less than 60). Individuals that need assistance carrying out daily activities, such as bathing, eating, using the toilet, and dressing are likely to be regarded as disabled under the SSA’s rules.

Organic Mental Disorders- The medical evidence must show that disability has been present for two years or more. The evidence must also demonstrate that the claimant cannot work without extensive support with their disabilities.

Personality disorders- Medical documentation of a pervasive pattern of distrust and suspiciousness of others, detachment from social relationships, disregard for and violation of the rights of others, instability of interpersonal relationships, excessive emotionality and attention seeking, feelings of inadequacy, excessive need to be taken care of, preoccupation with perfectionism and orderliness; or recurrent, impulsive, aggressive behavioral outbursts, and extreme limitation of the ability to understand, remember, or apply information, interact with others, concentrate, persist, or maintain pace, adapt or manage oneself.

Schizophrenia, paranoia, and psychotic disorders (Somatoform disorders and Substance addiction)- People battling substance abuse often find it challenging to maintain employment as they attempt to seek treatment for their condition.

Each type of mental health disorder will have its own criteria to meet SSA qualification requirements. For more information, consult with an experienced Social Security Attorney for disability application assistance.

How To Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Health?

The SSA has set rules that determine whether someone with a disability will be eligible for benefits. If you suffer from any of the previously mentioned mental health disabilities, then you may want to apply for disability benefit. If your condition is preventing you from maintaining employment, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits.

Apply online- One of the most convenient ways to apply for mental health disability benefits is to apply online. You can do this from the comfort of your own home.

Apply in person- You can also contact your local Social Security Administration office to set up an appointment to file your application in person.

Apply through an SSD lawyer- If you find the process daunting, then seek an effective Social Security disability lawyer’s professional help.

If you decide to apply on your own, you might miss important details that could spell defeat for your claim. This may include the necessary documentation required to prove your disability. Failure to provide sufficient evidence is likely to lead to the rejection of your claim. You may then be forced to repeat the process all over again. Winning a disability claim can be a long, arduous process, and avoidable first-time rejections will unnecessarily extend it. If you do not have prior experience applying for disability benefits, then it is a good idea to consult with your nearest disability lawyer.

How Can an Attorney Help in Getting Disability Benefits for Such Disorders?

An experienced attorney will help you determine whether your disabilities will be approved for SSA benefits. He will also guide you through your case effectively.

Under his guidance, you will be assisted with gathering all required medical documentation required by the SSA. All of this will save you valuable time. Your application will be submitted effectively and thoroughly. A competent attorney will ensure that your application is not rejected due to incomplete documentation.

Remember that the SSA weighs medical documentation very heavily in rendering its decision. When you hire an attorney, they will help you gather all your medical documents. An attorney will also talk to your doctor when necessary.

Hire an effective attorney to Apply For Mental Disability to increase your chances of having your claim approved. He will help you with:

1. Collecting documents.
2. Completing complicated forms
3. Speak to medical professionals, if necessary
4. Increase your odds of being approved for benefits

Your time is precious, and living with disabling medical conditions can be difficult. Therefore, do not wait to consult with a Social Security attorney today.

Consult an Experienced Lawyer and Apply for Mental Health Disability Benefits

Chermol & Fishman, LLC, provide extensive assistance to claimants when applying for disability benefits for a mental disorder. We offer dedicated service to clients suffering from mental disabilities.

We understand that your disability and recurring medical bills can make daily life challenging. In situations such as this, our expert lawyers will be there to help you receive disability benefits faster. We will ensure that your application is not denied due to incomplete documentation.

Our team of highly experienced attorneys will guide you to successfully obtain Social Security Disability Mental Health benefits. Call us to book a consultation today and take your first steps towards obtaining Mental Health Disability Benefits.

Common Questions Asked About Mental Health Disability Benefits.

Q.1 Why do SSDI/SSI benefits for mental health get denied?

Applications for these benefits are typically denied when you do not provide sufficient evidence to prove your disability. This can include missing prescriptions, test reports, medications, details, etc.

Q.2. Does treatment or medication for mental disorders automatically qualify someone for disability benefits?

Not at all. No medicine can qualify you for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration follows a strict process to check every applicant’s eligibility.

Q.3. Does a diagnosis of clinical depression and anxiety make someone eligible for disability benefits?

Yes, disability issues such as clinical depression and anxiety that persist may be eligible for disability benefits. Your application must include all evidence to support the SSA’s criteria to qualify for benefits.

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