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Can you receive SSD benefits for a personality disorder?

On Behalf of | May 9, 2019 | Social Security Disability

Many Georgia residents have been diagnosed with a mental illness that prevents them from keeping a steady job. According to the Social Security Administration, or SSA, there are various categories of mental illness, including psychotic disorders, affective disorders, also called mood disorders, and personality disorders.

If you have been diagnosed with a personality disorder, you may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits for that illness. Personality disorders typically refer to mental disorders that affect both how someone thinks of himself and that person’s ability to relate to others. The American Psychiatric Association lists 10 types of personality disorders, including antisocial personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and borderline personality disorder.

If you have been diagnosed with a personality disorder, you may qualify for SSD benefits if your condition prevents you from doing the job you used to do, makes you unable to be trained to do another job and has lasted or is expected to last at least one year. You will also need to refer to the SSA’s Blue Book listing for personality and impulse-control disorders (Sec. 12.08) to determine whether you meet the criteria.

Generally, an applicant will need to establish that she has been diagnosed with a personality disorder and that she exhibits a pattern of one or more of the behaviors listed.

Some of these listed behaviors include an inappropriate suspiciousness or distrust of others, feelings of inadequacy, or detachment from social relationships.

Additionally, he will need to prove that he is experiencing limitations at work when it comes to concentrating, interacting with others, managing behaviors, or remembering or comprehending information.

The SSA has a very specific list of requirements you will need to meet to qualify for SSD benefits, and you will need to provide relevant medical evidence to prove that you meet those requirements. A Social Security disability attorney in your area can make sure you provide the SSA with all necessary evidence and information to help you obtain the benefits you deserve.

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