Yes, individuals who are disabled because of mental health issues may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Applicants must demonstrate that their mental health issues prevent them from holding the job they had before (if any), and that they are unable to adjust to new work because of their mental illness.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) specifically addresses mental disorders that may qualify a claimant for SSD benefits. The children’s mental disorder listing also includes developmental or emotional disorders of infancy that cause a deficit or lag in motor, cognitive, communicative or social functioning skills.
If an applicant’s mental illness is not specifically described in the Blue Book, the applicant must demonstrate that it is equal in severity to a listed impairment.
Just as with SSD applicants with physical disabilities, claim examiners may request that the applicant seeking a mental health disability undergo an additional medical examination. The applicant must comply with this request for the claim to move forward, but the Social Security Administration will pay for the exam.
A Ginarte law firm attorney can provide assistance to an individual with a mental health disability, or to family members working to help their disabled loved one get needed SSDI or SSI benefits. Don’t go it alone. Call the Ginarte law firm today.
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