When people think about disability, they usually think about physical conditions such as injuries or illnesses. But did you know that disability is also available for people that are dealing with mental issues as well? It’s true. Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are just as possible for people with mental conditions as they are with physical ones. Read on to learn more about receiving mental disability benefits.

 

What Mental Conditions Can Qualify?

Just like physical conditions, the SSA has a whole list of mental conditions that could possible qualify an applicant for mental disability benefits. These include things like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and autism. In addition, it’s also possible to get benefits for something not on the list, as long as you are able to provide enough documentation to show that your condition is real and prevents you from working.

 

How Does Someone Apply for Mental Disability Benefits?

Just like any other disability, the process involves providing proof. To do this, extensive medical records must be provided that provide information on what type of mental condition exists, how long it has been going on, what the prognosis is for the future and what sort of work (if any) this condition allows the applicant to perform. This information should include records about any physical or mental exam, medicines or other treatments, tests, lab results and anything else that might be pertinent.

 

How Easy Is It to Get Social Security for Mental Disabilities?

As you may know, being awarded SSDI or SSI is not easy to begin with. Over two-thirds of all applicants are denied benefits when they make their initial application, although some of those can go on to win their case in appeals. As difficult as this is, getting benefits for a mental condition can be even harder. This is because it can be very difficult to prove a mental illness or disorder. Because they are not presented with any hard, physical evidence, physicians must make a judgement call, and this call can be hard to make after just a few minutes. In addition, many mental conditions are not ever-present; they come and go, and it’s often the luck of the draw as to whether or not symptoms manifest during the actual examination. A third problem is boils down to the physician’s own beliefs when it comes to mental illness — some doctors have a negative view of mental illness, and believe much of it is simply “made up” or exaggerated. Regardless of the reason, it can be very difficult to prove a mental disability and receive benefits.

 

If you would like to know more, or would like to talk to someone about legal representation in a mental disability benefits case, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.