What Kinds of Mental Illness Can Qualify You for Social Security Disability?
The SSA recognizes a variety of mental health issues that could qualify someone for benefits, including:
- Anxiety
- Agoraphobia
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Somatic disorders
Any of these mental health issues could make it difficult to work and support yourself, which is the core requirement to get Social Security Disability.
If you cannot take on the responsibilities of your job, have difficulties interacting with others, or find it impossible to adapt to changes in your daily routine, you may be able to receive Social Security Disability for mental illness.
It’s important to know what Social Security looks for before you apply.
You must show that your ailments prevent you from “substantial gainful activity (SGA),” meaning a pursuit that brings in enough income to help you support yourself.
You are unlikely to receive benefits if it looks to Social Security like your issue is an inconvenience that only interferes with your ability to work occasionally.
It’s important to be persuasive because, while all Social Security Disability benefits claims go through a difficult process, claims relating to mental health struggles can face additional obstacles.
Mental illness is often less obvious and harder for other people to understand than physical ailments or disabilities.
Maybe you’ve even struggled to convince friends and family members how much your mental illness interferes with your life.
Now you’re concerned a disability claims examiner will not take your problem seriously. You wonder is mental illness a disability as they see it?
Our Georgia disability lawyers will take you seriously. We know how to build a persuasive disability claim for mental health issues.
Silver & Archibald is the top disability law firm based in Georgia when it comes to the total amount of benefits we’ve won for people, as shown in Social Security numbers.
Start by getting a free consultation on your disability claim for mental health conditions.
How to Build Your Social Security Disability Claim for a Mental Health Disorder
Simply stating that your mental health problems keep you from working will not be enough. You need to make it obvious that your symptoms are so severe, you can’t stay employed and earn a living.
Our Georgia disability law firm can help you back up your testimony with additional evidence. Items that help include:
- Results of psychiatric and psychological evaluations
- Detailed therapy records, including information about what kinds of treatments you have pursued
- A list of medications you have been prescribed
- Evidence that your mental illness has disrupted your work, like records of missed days or reports detailing your struggles on the job
- Statements from friends, family members, and coworkers explaining how your mental health issues have affected you in your daily life
- A journal documenting your mental health challenges over time
- Verification of your work history and payments into Social Security
- Treatment notes from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed counselor in Georgia
- Records showing you receive ongoing, consistent treatment
- Reports on how your condition responds to treatment
The right evidence can show precisely how your mental health has affected your ability to work and what you have gone through to get treatment and feel better. This makes a more convincing claim for disability benefits.
Your claim could still be denied even if you think you have given them plenty of evidence. This is common, but a rejection is not the end.
Silver & Archibald disability attorneys help you figure out why your disability claim for mental illness was denied. We help you prepare an appeal and keep your chance at winning the benefits you need alive.
Social Security doesn’t make it easy to get help when you have mental health struggles, but Silver & Archibald disability lawyers have plenty of experience with these kinds of cases.
We can answer any questions you have about your claim, help you gather the records you need, and make sure you’re aware of important deadlines.
We know you’re going through a tough time. You’re worried enough about your budget and expenses. With Silver & Archibald, you don’t have to worry whether your disability claim is in capable hands.
And you don’t pay an attorney fee until you win benefits.
Let us help you claim Social Security Disability benefits and a more secure life.
Schedule your free consultation to learn more about what our compassionate attorneys can do for you.
Get to Know Silver & Archibald Disability Attorneys
Legal cases involving your health struggles are highly personal matters. When you’re looking for help, you want someone who treats you with the personal care, respect, and dignity this moment requires.
Answers to Common Questions About Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability is a huge program with a vast set of rules. As a resource for you as you sort out your disability claim, the disability lawyers at Silver & Archibald have prepared answers to some of the most common questions people have.
Common Disability Benefits Questions »
X
By providing the information above, I grant permission for a licensed insurance agent from Silver & Archibald to call, text, or email me regarding my Medicare health plan options including Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans.
The person who will be discussing plan options with you is contracted by a Medicare Health Plan or Prescription Drug Plan and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or Federal Medicare program. Calls may be made by auto dialer, text or robocall and are for marketing purposes. Cellular carrier charges may apply. You can change permission preferences at any time by calling 706-410-9292. There is no obligation to enroll. Signing this form does NOT affect your current enrollment, nor will it enroll you in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Prescription Drug Plan, or other Medicare plan. This is a solicitation for insurance.