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Mental and psychological disabilities are among the conditions that can qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You may qualify with severe depression, bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, or another mental illness that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment. Social Security disability benefits can cover everyday living expenses, medical bills, and other financial obligations. Benefits are paid monthly and can alleviate many of your financial worries, making it possible for you to get by without income from employment. Benefits for Disabled AdultsThe SSA pays disability benefits through two separate programs:
SSDI is available to disabled adult workers who have paid Social Security taxes, while SSI is a need-based program only available to applicants that meet strict limitations on income and asset holdings. If you have never worked due to your mental illness, you will not qualify for SSDI. If you have financial support from friends or family, you will not qualify for SSI. Basic Eligibility for BenefitsThe SSA must see that you meet basic eligibility requirements before further reviewing your application for benefits. This basic eligibility includes having:
After the SSA confirms that you meet basic eligibility, they will then move on to review your medical condition in detail and verify that you meet all program requirements for SSDI and/or SSI. Medical Qualifying with a Mental IllnessThe SSA conducts a detailed review of your medical records to determine your eligibility for benefits. During this review, they try to match your records to a disability listing in the “Blue Book.” The Blue Book is the SSA’s medical guide that is used to evaluate every disability application. Disability listings outline the severity level requirements and the specific medical evidence needed to support a claim for benefits. Mental illnesses appear in Section 12.00 and include:
Extensive medical records are necessary to qualify, including:
Activities of daily living can include many tasks, from being able to dress yourself, to interacting with others. If you can prove that your mental illness makes it nearly impossible for you to function outside of your place of living, you will have a strong chance of being approved. For most mental illnesses, you will need to prove that you have been taking medication for two years or more and have not seen any improvement in your condition. It can be quite challenging to get approved for benefits with a mental illness, especially if you do not precisely meet a Blue Book listing. Be prepared for a tough fight to get approved. Work closely with your doctor when applying for benefits. He or she can help you understand Blue Book requirements and can ensure your medical records contain the types of details necessary for the SSA to accurately evaluate your claim for benefits. For the best chance of getting approved, be sure to gather the following information:
Submitting an ApplicationIf you’re applying only for SSDI, you can do so online, or you can apply at the SSA office nearest you. For SSI however, there is no online application available. This is because an interview is part of the standard application process, and must be completed in person, or under some circumstances, via phone. Visit the SSA’s website to start your application online or call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. There are more than 1300 locations across the US, so you are sure to find an office close to you. After ApprovalIf you are approved for a mental illness, expect to have your case reviewed every year. Some applicants with conditions that will clearly not improve, such as paralysis, are reviewed every 7 years or so. But since mental illnesses can often be treated, you will expect yearly check-ins with the SSA. So long as your condition remains the same year-to-year, you will not later be denied disability benefits. Resources:
What is considered to be a mental disability?Psychiatric disabilities cover a wide range of conditions, including eating disorders, post- traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, and other psychiatric conditions. Psychiatric disabilities are very common.
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