While Social Security disability benefits may be available for illnesses such as mental illnesses, it can sometimes be challenging to prove mental illness. In general, Social Security disability benefits may be available for disabled individuals suffering from a physical or mental medical condition that prevents them from working. In addition, the physical or mental medical condition must be expected to last longer than 12 months or result in death.
Mental illnesses are recognized by the Social Security Administration as impairments that qualify for disability. Mental illnesses that may qualify for Social Security disability benefits include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); bipolar disorder; severe depression; anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and other anxiety disorders; Schizophrenia; and the psychological side effects of necessary medications.
It is important to be able to medically establish a mental illness and understand how to carefully document the pathology of the illness, the suffering of the disabled individual and the nature of the disability which prevents them from working. Disabled individuals suffering from mental illness, such as veterans and others, need medications, counseling and routine treatment disability benefits make possible. They are oftentimes unable to focus and concentrate because of their illness, preventing them from working.
Because of the importance of disability benefits to disabled individuals suffering with a mental illness, it can be essential for disabled individuals to be familiar with both the application and appeals processes. The application process for disability benefits can be challenging but given the important nature of the benefits, it is helpful to remember that understanding the process may be useful to help obtain them.
