Helping People With Disabilities Nationwide

Can you get Social Security benefits for mental health disorders?

by | Dec 1, 2017 | SSD - Social Security Disability Benefits For Mental Conditions |

If you have a mental health condition, you may be interested in knowing more about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD). Mental health conditions are just as debilitating as physical conditions in many cases. As such, it’s important that those who cannot work have an opportunity to get the benefits they need to support themselves as they address their mental health concerns.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides an income to people who aren’t able to work due to a disability, either physical or mental. As of 2013, around 9 million people relied on SSDI as a way to increase their incomes or as a sole income. Of those individuals, around 35.2 percent qualify for SSDI as a result of mental health disorders.

Since the Social Security Administration (SSA) has its own diagnostic criteria for determining if a person has a disability, it’s a good idea for you to work with your attorney when you’re filling out the application. You may need to provide several documents for evidence including written statements from your medical provider, pay stubs, your work history, an explanation of your mental health condition and others.

Many people struggle with their mental health. It’s hard enough without having to worry about money. These benefits are there for people in your situation, but they can be difficult to obtain the first time. That’s why it’s a good idea to work with someone familiar with disability law. When you’re ready to file, collect as much information as you can for your attorney. He or she can help you file so there’s as little chance of a denial as possible.

Source: NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, “Supplemental Security Income (SSI) And Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI),” accessed Dec. 01, 2017

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