The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) programs offer benefits to claimants who are unable to work at a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level for not only physical impairments, but also mental health impairments.
Many people may believe that the SSDI and SSI programs are for people with only physical impairments where the evidence is visible through examining the claimant or through medical records. Despite the fact that mental health impairments are not as easily diagnosed as back injuries, neck injuries and other physical ailments, Social Security disability is a legitimate option for those who suffer from mental heath disabilities and are unable to work at a SGA level because of those disabilities.
There are a number of mental health conditions that can potentially meet Social Security’s requirements for disabilities. Some of these conditions include psychotic disorders, anxiety-related disorders, personality-related disorders, mental retardation and autistic-related disorders.
As is the case with physical disabilities, medical evidence will be crucial in proving mental health disabilities. If you don’t treat for these conditions there will be relatively little evidence to prove these disabilities.
There are many differences in proving disability for physical reasons compared to mental health. An applicant’s age and past work experience factor greatly in whether an SSDI claim is successful when considering physical disabilities, but not necessarily mental health disabilities; age does not play a major factor in determining if someone can work when inflicted with mental health disabilities.
Treating regularly with a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist and taking prescribed medications that are part of your treatment are important to establish disability for mental health conditions.
To learn more about how Social Security classifies different types of mental health impairments visit: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm.
