Imagine that every time you leave the house you are consumed by the fear that something terrible will happen to you. Many people have mental health issues that make it extremely difficult for them to complete a day-to-day routine, especially when it comes to holding down a job.
Mental health is often overlooked when people discuss disabilities that impact those in the workforce. Programs have been put in place provide benefits to those who suffer from various mental illnesses, however specific criteria must be met before the Social Security Administration (SSA) will award disability benefits.
According to the SSA, for a mental illness claim to be successful, the applicant must include documentation of the illness. Detailed information must be provided, including a discussion regarding the illness's potential impact on an applicant's ability to work. Also, it will be necessary to describe the timeline of the mental illness, to see if it will or has lasted for a continuous period of twelve months.
There are currently nine possible categories covered, including schizophrenia, mental retardation, anxiety disorders and autistic disorders. The SSA has recently proposed a rule that would include new categories of recognized disabilities, including dementia, eating disorders as well as disorders diagnosed during childhood or adolescence.
If the illness fits into one of these categories, the applicant will need to provide medical evidence, such as symptoms, signs or test results that indicate that the applicant is actually suffering from the illness. Then, the SSA will next look at how limiting the illness is for the applicant.
The SSA will examine four specific categories to determine the effect of the illness. The four categories include:
- Activities of daily living - applicant's ability to complete day-to-day activities
- Social functioning - interacting with others, including friends, coworkers or people encountered in daily life
- Concentration, persistence or pace - ability to perform tasks that would be associated with work
- Episodes of decompensation - temporary flare-ups that would require some type of treatment
This can be a very time-consuming process for people who are struggling to make ends meet. Failing to follow procedures could result in additional delays. If you have questions about a claim for Social Security Disability Income, speak to an experienced attorney in your area.
