To give you a straight answer, yes, you do qualify for a disability benefit if the diagnosed mental health problem prevents you from performing your daily duties. Mental and psychological disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, clinical anxiety, psychosis, etc., all qualify for benefits under the Social Security Administration or SSA.
Since such a condition restricts you from employment, Social Security disability benefits can help cover your living and medical expenses every month. Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys will help provide the assisted benefit you need in such times of crisis.
There are two types of assistance provided:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If a disabled adult has paid sufficient taxes and was employed, they qualify for SSDI. While SSI is more a need-based program depending on the assets and holdings of the individuals, no financial support from friends and family is entertained.
The SSA then uses the “Blue Book” to help analyze the mental illness mentioned in the blue book. This book helps evaluate all the disability applications. Having disabilities like anxiety disorders like PTSD, phobias, personality disorders like depression, and other affective disorders are all mentioned in the book. If you cannot work but do not conform to the blue book, you can apply for a medical-vocational allowance. The basic eligibility for the benefits are two conditions:
- A complete formal diagnosis of the disabling condition and the physicians’ notes, tests conducted, medication and therapy prescribed.
- The diagnosis causes a disability for a year or longer.
Providing all the proof and evidence to the SSA is vital to continue reviewing the application for assisted living benefits. Working with the doctor connected to the diagnosis will help add as a witness to the existence of your mental illness.
Ample proof in the form of:
- Psychologists or psychiatrist diagnoses.
- Episodes of the illness worsen the individuals’ condition.
- Evidence of ongoing treatment, medication, and therapy.
- Activities of Daily Living or ALD’s.
- Brain scans or any physical impairments caused by the mental disorder.
If the condition does not allow you to carry out your regular daily chores, it can enhance your chances of getting the living benefits.
On getting hold of all the evidence needed, apply to which program would suit you the best.
Applying for SSDI can be done online, while an application for SSI is a lengthy interview process. After getting approval, a yearly check-in is done to see the condition of the individual. In the event you are heading into full recovery, after recovering, this support is taken away.
