People with mental health disorders may qualify for Social Security disability payments, contrary to popular belief, which holds that benefits are only available to individuals with physical impairments. It is frequently more difficult to get authorized for benefits because the symptoms of mental health issues are not always as clear as those of physical conditions.
In order to increase the possibility that your claim will be approved, an experienced Social Security disability attorney can help you put together the papers and data you need. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 to request a legal consultation.
The severity of your mental health issue matters
While many people deal with mental illness, in order to be eligible for Social Security disability payments, the mental health problem must be significant enough that it limits your capacity to live your life normally. That is because disability benefits are based on your inability to work and create an income for yourself.
In your application, you will need to establish that you are unable to function in a job context owing to your mental illness. For example, if you have severe depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder that renders you unable to leave your home or contact with others, that may qualify as a condition that impairs you to an extent that you are unable to work.
Only certain mental health issues qualify for benefits
There are a variety of mental health illnesses that are specified by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that may qualify for benefits. These include schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depressive illness, and autism spectrum disorder.
However, even if your specific mental illness is not specified by the SSA, you may still qualify for benefits if the symptoms that you experience as a result of your disease are severe enough to limit your ability to work. An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can assist you in determining if you might be eligible for benefits.
Physical symptoms are an important element
Somatic symptom disorder, or the occurrence of physical symptoms that result from mental health disorders, is one element that is significant. Benefits must be allowed if the symptoms are more severe than what is regarded as usual. For instance, if a person occasionally struggles with concentration or focus, that is probably not regarded a somatic symptom illness.
However, it will probably be seen as a somatic symptom condition if a person has a mental illness that prevents them from paying attention or using the information they are given. However, a mental health specialist should thoroughly document these problems and include details about how these symptoms affect employment.
You must have documentation to win your case
A crucial component of all Social Security disability claims is documentation. This is especially true when it comes to illnesses of the mind. Be sure to follow up with doctors or other medical professionals as appropriate after each appointment you have with a mental health expert. You can create a record of the severity of your mental illness, how it affects your capacity to work, and how its symptoms affect your daily life by doing this.
You can engage with a knowledgeable Social Security disability attorney who can help you understand the kinds of documentation required for your claim. You may be eligible for Social Security benefits if you are unable to work due to a mental health issue. To arrange a consultation and find out how we can support you with your application, hearing, or the appeal process, get in touch with PLBH right away at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com.