Defending And Empowering The Disabled Since 1993

Do mental illnesses qualify for Social Security benefits?

On Behalf of | Dec 1, 2017 | Social Security Disability Benefits For Illnesses

It is an unfortunate fact that all across Atlanta individuals suffer from diseases and disorders that no one else can see. While a physical condition such as paralysis may be witnessed by another person, medical issues such as bipolar disorder or depression may lay under the surface of the sufferer’s appearance.

Mental illnesses can be debilitating and for this reason the Social Security Administration permits those who suffer from these conditions to receive disability benefits if their conditions meet certain requirements. The remainder of this post will discuss how the Social Security Administration evaluates mental illnesses but readers with specific questions are asked to discuss their cases with disability benefits attorneys.

A myriad of mental disorders are covered by disability benefits. These disorders include but are not limited to neurocognitive disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and intellectual disorders. In order for a mental disorder to meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability the disorder must prevent the applicant from doing their job, last at least a year and keep them from doing other forms of work.

When a person submits a disability benefits application for a mental illness or disorder the reviewing office will look for evidence that the applicant’s condition meets the requirements of a disability under the Social Security Administration’s requirements. Evidence may include but is not limited to doctor’s notes and a mental health evaluation for the purposes of approving or denying the applicant’s request for benefits.

Pursuing benefits for a mental illness or disorder can be hard to do on one’s own. With the help of a disability benefits attorney, though, an applicant can have confidence that their request will be comprehensive and reflective of their need for benefits support.

Archives

FindLaw Network