Disability Benefits For Mental Health Issues
Disability takes many forms. Some people are physically disabled, suffering from injuries or deformities. Other people have pain and discomfort. Many people suffer from dangerous or potentially deadly physical conditions. These problems can vary widely.
However, physical disabilities are only one type of disability. There are also mental disabilities. Mental health disabilities are disorders of the mind and the brain. These disabling conditions affect the way people think, feel and behave.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) covers these types of disabilities as well. The SSA is a federal agency that provides many benefits to millions of people. In addition to receiving retirement and survivor’s benefits, Many people also receive Social Security Disability benefits for mental health disabilities. In some cases, family members of the disabled also receive benefits. Mental health benefits may include regular, monthly payments.
Mental Health Disability Benefits
To receive these disability benefits from the SSA, a person must first apply. The SSA offers two types of social security disability (SSD). The first program is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The second program is Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI and SSI are different in important ways. SSDI is for disabled people who struggle to work full-time jobs. To qualify for SSDI, these individuals must have a work history marked by work credits. An applicant can receive a maximum of four work credits for every year.
SSI is different. SSI does not require a work history of work credits. Rather, SSI requires that applicants have limited financial means. To qualify, you cannot exceed making a certain level of income and assets. Although SSI is not solely for persons who are disabled, many applicants are disabled. To receive SSI Mental Disability benefits, you must prove your disabling condition. Both SSI and SSDI use the same definition of disability. Mental Health Disability is included in this definition.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will always look for total disability. In fact, the SSA only awards benefits for people with total disabilities. For a person to qualify, his or her disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 12 months, or be expected to lead to death The condition must also prevent the individual from working normally. If you can work a normal job, you probably won’t qualify. People with short-term or partial disabilities will be rejected. If your disability is not a total disability, you may not be eligible for disability benefits.
The SSA is very specific about Mental Health Disorders. The disorder or condition must be “medically determinable.” In other words, the condition is proven by a doctor.
The SSA may sometimes ask for more proof. This evidence is used to make your disability claim stronger. It is a good idea to have all of your information readily available to provide upon request. Gather as much evidence as you can from your primary care physician, other health specialists, and more. It is better to be over-prepared in your case
When you are ready to apply for disability benefits, you have options. You can Apply For Mental Disability online. You can also apply by phone. You can even visit your local social security office. If you choose to apply by phone, you can call 1-800-772-1213.
