Types of Mental Illness That Qualify for SSDI/SSI

Some individuals with mental illness are able to live normal lives and earn an income that will support a comfortable lifestyle. Unfortunately, some mental illness symptoms are far too debilitating to allow the individual to work or engage in normal daily activities. In the United States, over 2.5 million people file for disability due to mental illness. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has guidelines to determine what type of mental illnesses qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If you have questions regarding mental illness and disability, enlist the counsel of the disability expert attorneys at Jan Dils Attorneys at Law.

Symptoms and Severity of Mental Illness

The SSA recognizes mental illness as a disability if a person suffers critical impairment in several ways, including:

• Social functions (such as having proper hygiene, completing daily errands, and holding down a job)
• Ability to concentrate and persist
• Ability to complete tasks for work
• Worsening of symptoms over time

Specific Types of Mental Illness

Guidelines set by the SSA stipulate that a person may qualify for disability benefits if their mental illness prevents working and has lasted for twelve months or longer. The most common types of mental illness that are awarded SSDI or SSI benefits include:

• Affective disorders, such as bipolar disorder or clinical depression
• Schizophrenia disorders, such as paranoid schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

If your mental illness diagnosis does not fall into one of these two categories, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI. An attorney at our firm can help you determine if you qualify.

Legal Counsel from Jan Dils Attorneys at Law

If you need to apply for disability or have been denied SSDI or SSI, an attorney at Jan Dils can offer valuable legal counsel and help you receive the benefits you deserve. Call today for a free consultation at 877.526.3457.