Visit the SSA’s website to start your application online or call 1-80 to schedule an appointment. This is because an interview is part of the standard application process, and must be completed in person, or under some circumstances, via phone. For SSI however, there is no online application available. If you’re applying only for SSDI, you can do so online, or you can apply at the SSA office nearest you. A list of the medications you’ve been taking, whether or not they have improved your symptoms, and the negative side effects you experience from these medications.This can include doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, or anyone else who has helped you with your mental illness. Any professional’s opinion on the matter.This includes everything from hospitalizations to therapist sessions. He or she can help you understand Blue Book requirements and can ensure your medical records contain the types of details necessary for the SSA to accurately evaluate your claim for benefits.įor the best chance of getting approved, be sure to gather the following information: Work closely with your doctor when applying for benefits. Be prepared for a tough fight to get approved. It can be quite challenging to get approved for benefits with a mental illness, especially if you do not precisely meet a Blue Book listing. If you can prove that your mental illness makes it nearly impossible for you to function outside of your place of living, you will have a strong chance of being approved.įor most mental illnesses, you will need to prove that you have been taking medication for two years or more and have not seen any improvement in your condition. Well documented affects of your symptoms on your everyday abilities or “activities of daily living” (ALDs)Īctivities of daily living can include many tasks, from being able to dress yourself, to interacting with others.Thoroughly documented episodes of increased symptoms or periods of decompensation.Treatment records, documenting medications, therapy, and other management methods used and their effects.Brain scans or other evidence of physical abnormalities that document an organic cause for symptoms, if applicable.Information on your diagnosis, ideally from a psychiatrist or psychologist.12.04, Affective Disorders – if you have bipolar disorder, your application will be reviewed under this listing.Įxtensive medical records are necessary to qualify, including:.12.08, Personality Disorders – this is the listing under which you may qualify if you have severe, clinical depression.12.06, Anxiety-related Disorders – you may qualify under this listing if you have a severe phobia, post-traumatic stress, a panic disorder, or another anxiety-related condition.Mental illnesses appear in Section 12.00 and include: During this review, they try to match your records to a disability listing in the “Blue Book.” The Blue Book is the SSA’s medical guide that is used to evaluate every disability application.ĭisability listings outline the severity level requirements and the specific medical evidence needed to support a claim for benefits. The SSA conducts a detailed review of your medical records to determine your eligibility for benefits. A diagnosed condition that will disable you for 12 months of longerĪfter the SSA confirms that you meet basic eligibility, they will then move on to review your medical condition in detail and verify that you meet all program requirements for SSDI and/or SSI.A formal diagnosis of a potentially disabling condition.The SSA must see that you meet basic eligibility requirements before further reviewing your application for benefits. If you have financial support from friends or family, you will not qualify for SSI. If you have never worked due to your mental illness, you will not qualify for SSDI. SSDI is available to disabled adult workers who have paid Social Security taxes, while SSI is a need-based program only available to applicants that meet strict limitations on income and asset holdings. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). ![]() The SSA pays disability benefits through two separate programs: ![]() Benefits are paid monthly and can alleviate many of your financial worries, making it possible for you to get by without income from employment. ![]() Social Security disability benefits can cover everyday living expenses, medical bills, and other financial obligations. You may qualify with severe depression, bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, or another mental illness that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment. Mental and psychological disabilities are among the conditions that can qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
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