Blog

Can You Seek Disability Benefits For Mental Health Problems?

Mental health problems are common, affecting millions in the United States annually. These conditions can be just as debilitating as physical illnesses, but seeking disability benefits for mental health problems can be complex and challenging. Get in touch with Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys to explore whether or not you can seek disability benefits for mental health problems in the USA.

Benefits

First, it is crucial to understand what is meant by "disability benefits." In the United States, disability benefits are typically provided through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To be eligible for SSDI, a person must demonstrate that they have a medical condition that is severe enough to prevent them from working for at least a year and that they have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.

So, can mental health problems qualify as a disability under the SSDI program? The answer is yes, but it is essential to understand that the process can be more complex than it is for physical conditions. This is because mental health problems can be challenging to diagnose and quantify, and there can be a great deal of subjectivity involved in determining the severity of the condition.

Qualifications

To qualify for SSDI based on a mental health condition, a person must meet the criteria outlined in the SSA's "Blue Book" of medical conditions. The Blue Book includes specific diagnostic criteria for various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.

To qualify for disability benefits based on a mental health condition, a person must demonstrate that they meet the diagnostic criteria for one of these conditions and that the condition is severe enough to prevent them from working for at least a year. This may involve submitting extensive medical records and other documentation to the SSA and undergoing a disability determination process that can take several months or even years.

In addition to meeting the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Blue Book, a person seeking disability benefits for a mental health condition must also demonstrate that the condition significantly impacts their ability to work. This may involve providing evidence of functional limitations, such as difficulty concentrating, managing stress, or interacting with others. It may also show that the person has tried and failed to work in other jobs or industries due to their mental health condition.

Procedure

It is important to note that seeking disability benefits for mental health problems can be a complex and challenging process and that the SSA often denies initial applications for disability benefits based on mental health conditions. However, it is possible to appeal a denial and continue to pursue disability benefits through the appeals process.


More to Read: