SSDI Mental Disability Claims in Charlotte

When a mental health or cognitive condition renders you unable to work or earn substantial income, securing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be crucial for you and your family. If you are not sure where to start, our local SSDI claims attorneys can help you file SSDI mental disability claims in Charlotte.

Learn more about your eligibility during a consultation with a trusted SSDI attorney from the largest female-founded law firm in the country.

Who Qualifies for SSDI Mental Disability?

To qualify for SSDI benefits, claimants must meet several criteria. First, he or she must have paid into Social Security through their paycheck and have earned enough work credits based on their age. Second, they must have a qualifying condition lasting or expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Third, this condition must make them unable to participate in substantial gainful activity (SGA)

For work to qualify as SGA, it must involve doing significant mental and/or activities. It must also be work that is performed for pay or profit, or that is generally performed for pay or profit, or is intended to profit, even if it does not.

What Conditions Count for a Mental Disability Claim?

As noted above, for a person in Charlotte to qualify for SSDI benefits, a mental health or cognitive condition must be a recognized qualifying condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes several mental disorders including:

• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s
• PTSD
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Intellectual disabilities
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Mental disability claim applicants must prove that they have the condition and that it meets each of the listed criteria for that specific mental disorder.

Example of a Qualifying Mental Disability – Eating Disorders

For a person with an eating disorder like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating, his or her condition must satisfy both of these criteria:

• There is medical documentation of an alteration in eating or eating behaviors and it significantly impairs the person’s physical or psychological health.
• There is an extreme limitation of one or marked limitation of two mental functioning abilities, such as the ability to understand information, interact with others, concentrate, or adapt.

Moreover, the applicant will need to show that this is a persistent condition. Consistent medical documentation and statements from doctors and specialists can be crucial for eating disorder-related mental disability claims in Charlotte.

What to Do After a Mental Disability Claim is Denied

Claims related to mental conditions present a unique set of challenges. Not only must a person show he or she has a qualifying condition, but that it impacts their ability to earn an income. Unlike physical conditions, mental conditions are more subjective and can be difficult to measure. Unfortunately, this may result in a mental disability claim being denied.

If SSA denies an SSDI application, there are a few options. First, a person may appeal the decision. There are multiple levels of appeal starting with filing a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days. If SSA still denies the claim, it may be reviewed by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) then by the Appeals Council. The final option after exhausting administrative remedies is to appeal to the federal courts.

Another option is to reapply for benefits. A person may reapply for SSDI at any time as long as he or she does not have an open application. They may also want to explore other disability benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Schedule a Consultation for Your Mental Disability Claim With a Charlotte Attorney

If mental or cognitive limitations have rendered you unable to work, you may be eligible to receive monthly benefits. Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, the largest female-founded law firm in the country, has helped individuals with mental disabilities across the nation secure monthly benefits. Get assistance with your SSDI mental disability claim in Charlotte when you schedule a free case evaluation.