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Disability benefits may be available for mental conditions

On Behalf of | Dec 26, 2019 | Social Security Disability |

Social Security disability can help disabled individuals with some of the challenges they face when they are unable to work because of a disabling medical condition. To qualify for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits, the disabled individual may suffer from either a physical or mental medical condition that prevents them from working.

Mental conditions that may qualify disabled individuals for disability benefits can include schizophrenia, autism disorders, mental retardation, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. The Social Security Administration maintains a list of mental conditions it considers inherently disabling that may qualify for SSD benefits. This means that disabled individuals suffering from a mental condition on the list may be considered unable to perform substantial gainful activity including employment and be eligible for SSD benefits as a result.

The Social Security Administration maintains a process for determining if the disabled applicant’s mental condition prevents them from working and may make them eligible for disability benefits. Both medical records and nonmedical considerations, such as interviews with friends and family, will be used to evaluate the disabled individual’s residual functional capacity which is used to determine if the disabled individual’s mental condition prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity.

Social Security disability benefits are generally available to disabled individuals who suffer from a mental or physical disability that is severe enough that it prevents them from working and is expected to last for 12 months or longer. The disabled applicant must also meet other work history requirements to qualify for SSD benefits as well. Disabled individuals suffering from a disabling mental condition, and their family members, should be familiar with how they can qualify for the Social Security disability benefits they need.