Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits Due to Mental Illness: A Guest Blog

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits Due to Mental Illness: A Guest Blog

Applying for Social Security Disability with Mental Illness

 

The symptoms of a mental illness can make it impossible to work. For example, those who suffer from bipolar disorder may have days when it is impossible to get out of bed. Their frequent mood swings may make it impossible to maintain gainful work activity. Fortunately, if you are unable to work due to a mental illness, you may be able to get help in the form of Social Security Disability benefits.

 

There are two types of disability benefits that disabled workers may qualify for. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

 

Qualifying for SSDI

 

In order to qualify for SSDI you must have earned enough work credits through your past work history. As of 2013, for each $1,160 you earn, you get 1 work credit. You can earn up to 4 work credits each year.

 

If you are under age 24, you will need 6 work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. If you are between the ages of 24 and 30, you will have need to have worked half of the time since turning age 21. For example, if you are 27, you will need to have worked three of the past six years in order to qualify for benefits. If you are age 31 and over, you will need 20 work credits in order to qualify for SSDI benefits.

 

If you are applying for disability benefits and do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, you may be able to qualify for SSI benefits.

 

Qualifying for SSI

 

SSI is a needs-based program. Your household income must not exceed $710 per month as an individual or $1,060 per month as a couple. There are also restrictions on your household assets. You must not have more than $2,000 in assets as an individual or $3,000 in assets as a couple.

 

Medically Qualifying for Benefits with a Mental Illness

 

If you meet the above-mentioned criteria for either SSDI and/or SSI benefits, then you must still prove that you are disabled in order to be eligible to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The easiest way to prove that you have a disability that prevents you from working is to provide medical documentation showing that you suffer from a condition that has been listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. The Blue Book is a list of all of the conditions that could qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits.

 

The Blue Book does list specific mental illnesses that could qualify an individual for disability benefits. These include:

 

  • Organic mental disorders
  • Schizophrenic and other psychotic disorders
  • Affective disorders
  • Mental retardation
  • Anxiety-related disorders
  • Somatoform disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Substance addiction disorders
  • Autistic disorders
  • Pervasive developmental disorders

 

For more information on medically qualifying for benefits, visit: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/mental-disorders

 

Applying for Benefits

 

You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online (http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/) or in person at a local Social Security Office. When you go to apply, you will be asked to fill out a number of forms. Make sure you fill out each form in its entirety and answer all questions with thorough and detailed answers. The more detailed you are in your answers, the easier it will be for the SSA to understand how you qualify for benefits. Also make sure you provide sufficient medical evidence and clinical documentation to support your claim.

 

 

Article by Ram Meyyappan
Social Security Disability Help

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