Are Disability Benefits Provided for Mental Health Conditions?
Not everyone connects mental health challenges to disability benefits. The reality is that certain mental disorders can create significant daily challenges. When these challenges leak into work, maintaining a basic income can become increasingly difficult. This is when knowing whether you might qualify for disability benefits can be helpful. Talk to a Wilmington disability attorney to find out more.
ARE THERE DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR MENTAL DISORDERS?
The short answer to whether there are disability benefits for mental disorders is yes. However, disability benefits are not offered for every mental disorder. Some mental disorders might not be severe enough to qualify for benefits. Even for mental disorders that might qualify, the symptoms must be severe enough to impact work performance.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes this slightly easier by listing all the disabilities and medical conditions they cover in their online Blue Book. Some of the major mental conditions listed in the SSA Blue Book are:
- Intellectual disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive and other Mood disorders
- Psychotic disorders
- Somatic disorders
- Personality disorders
- Autism
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Trauma disorders
- Eating disorders
- Neurocognitive disorders
Mood disorders also include bipolar disorders. Psychotic disorders include schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Somatic disorders not only include somatic symptom disorder but also illness anxiety disorder and conversion disorder. Neurodevelopmental disorders range from learning disorders to Tourette syndrome. Neurocognitive disorders describe different forms of dementia.
The most important first step to take in this process is to visit a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. A diagnosis is often required to become eligible for disability benefits. Different types of medical evidence might also be needed. Try contacting a Wilmington disability lawyer if you have any questions about this.
HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS
Applying for mental health disability benefits involves several steps. The initial steps consist of collecting basic information about you, your disability, and your work history. Work history alone can be a deciding factor for which disability benefits program you are eligible for.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD), for example, requires applicants to have a certain number of work credits based on work history. If you do not qualify for this program, then you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Once these steps are completed, the next most important steps involve collecting evidence.
Each mental disorder often requires different types of evidence. Medical evidence from your doctor or mental health professional will usually be required. This may include evidence of a diagnosis, impairments, and expected outcomes. Providing information on any medications you take for the mental condition is also important.
The most important details to provide are how your mental condition affects your ability to work. This is often the deciding factor for disability claims.
DISABILITY ATTORNEY IN DELAWARE
Applying for disability benefits can be confusing and stressful a times but you do not have to do this alone. Reach out to a Delaware disability lawyer if you are interested in applying for disability benefits. Start by contacting Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (302) 295-5050 for a free consultation. Our legal team is prepared to help you increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.
