Can I Get Disability Benefits for My Mental Illness?

Many people struggle with mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which can have a serious impact on your daily life, relationships, and ability to work. At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process, and we are here to help guide you through and find out what your options are.

Recognizing Mental Health Conditions Under SSDI

The Social Security Administration (SSA) accepts a lot of mental health conditions as disabling and a pretense for disability benefits. These can include:

• PTSD
• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Schizophrenia

To get SSDI, the condition needs to be serious enough where you cannot work and it has to last for at least 12 months.

Meeting The SSA Criteria

To be approved for SSDI benefits, applicants must show that your mental condition is disabling according to their rules. You will need to provide a formal diagnosis from a mental health professional, medical documentation that shows the condition has lasted for at least 12 months, and evidence that the condition significantly impairs your ability to work or engage in basic tasks.

SSA uses a detailed list, known as the Blue Book, to evaluate disability claims. Even if your condition does not match exactly, they will still look at how your condition affects your mental functioning in areas such as concentration, social interaction, and ability to adapt.

The Importance of Documentation

Mental illnesses are not visible or measurable through standard medical testing. Providing strong documentation of consistent treatment from mental health professionals, medication records, and detailed clinical notes will help prove the severity of the condition. Additionally, personal journals that track the severity of symptoms and observations by caregivers can strengthen a SSDI claim.

Employment Considerations

You do not need to be completely unemployed in order to qualify for SSDI. As long as you are not making over the SSA income limit and your condition keeps you from working full-time consistently, you may still qualify. Reduced hours, frequent absences, or inability to work in certain environments may all support a disability claim.

Contact Us Today to Discuss Getting Disability Benefits for Your Mental Illness

Applying for SSDI benefits can be frustrating and confusing, especially while coping with a mental health condition. At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, our team is dedicated to helping individuals navigate through the process, from gathering medical evidence to representing you in any appeals. If your mental health condition is preventing you from working, contact us today for a free consultation. You can also take our SSDI quiz to learn if you are eligible.