Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, can be debilitating. In some cases, they may make it nearly impossible for individuals to continue working. Fortunately, Social Security Disability provides wage replacement and other medical benefits for workers living with life-changing conditions. However, the application can be more difficult when seeking aid for a mental health issue than for a physical one. The guide below looks at what you need to qualify.

What Is a Qualifying Mental Health Condition?

The Listing of  Impairments used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) lists 11 categories of mental health issues that may qualify. This includes neurocognitive disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, depression and bipolar disorders, intellectual disorders, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorders, somatic symptoms, personality and impulse-control disorders, autism spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, eating disorders and trauma and stressor-related disorders. 

When considering an application, the SSA applies a separate set of criteria for each mental health condition. To receive approval, your medical evidence and treating physician notes and reports will have to clearly document your mental symptoms and the effect that they have on your ability to function in day-to-day activities and in a work setting.  If your symptoms are not controlled, in spite of medication and treatment compliance, it may be that you mental illness would be severe enough to meet a Listing under the mental health guidelines. 

How Can You Apply for Benefits?

While the nature of your impairment doesn’t change the Social Security Disability application process, getting approval based on a mental health issue can be more difficult. Physical disabilities like cancer or pain disorders can be objectively evaluated with MRIs, blood tests, and other hard proof.

Evidence for mental health disorders, however, is often subjective, relying on the opinions of psychologists and therapists instead of data. Applications for Social Security Disability based on these conditions should be extremely thorough, including extensive medical documentation from a wide range of mental health professionals.

Why Are Claims Denied?

Many Social Security Disability claims are initially declined because they lack the information necessary to fully and fairly develop your medical evidence.  An experienced consultant can help prepare your application and guide you through the most common pitfalls.

With over 50 years’ experience with the Social Security Disability system, the team at Disability Claim Consultants has the background and in-depth expertise to help you fight for the benefits you deserve. From their offices in Omaha, they proudly serve disabled workers throughout eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Visit their website now to learn how they can help, get more tips and updates on Facebook, or call (402) 422-1000 to schedule a consultation today.