Mental illness can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can impact every aspect of a person’s life, including their ability to work and earn a living. For those who are unable to work due to a mental health condition, the financial strain can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are disability benefits available to help support those who are struggling. Here’s what you should know about applying for disability benefits for mental illness.
Main Benefits Information for Disabled Adults
In the United States, there are two primary federal disability programs available for adults: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs are designed to provide financial assistance to those who are unable to work due to a disability, including mental health conditions.
SSDI is a program that is funded by Social Security taxes. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain length of time. The amount of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on your age at the time you become disabled. Generally, you need to have worked for at least five of the last ten years to be eligible.
SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program that is funded by general tax revenues. To be eligible for SSI, you must have limited income and resources. This means that your income and assets must fall below a certain threshold, which varies depending on your living situation and other factors.
Both SSDI and SSI provide monthly financial assistance to help cover basic living expenses, such as housing, food, and medical care. The amount of benefits you receive will depend on your specific situation, including your work history and income level.
Qualifying Medically with a Mental Illness
To qualify for disability benefits with a mental illness, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working and must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a list of mental disorders that may qualify for benefits, which includes:
- Affective disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
- Intellectual disorders
- Neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury
- Personality disorders
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
- Somatic symptom and related disorders
- Trauma and stressor-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
To prove that you have a qualifying mental illness, you will need to provide medical evidence to support your claim. This may include treatment records, such as therapy notes and medication lists, as well as a statement from your doctor or mental health professional.
The Basic Eligibility Requirements for Disability Benefits
In addition to meeting the medical requirements for disability benefits, you must also meet certain non-medical eligibility requirements. These requirements vary depending on whether you are applying for SSDI or SSI.
For SSDI, you must have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain length of time, depending on your age. Generally, you need to have earned at least 20 work credits in the last 10 years before you became disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. This means that your income and assets must fall below a certain threshold, which varies depending on your living situation and other factors.
In addition to these specific requirements, there are also some general eligibility requirements that apply to both SSDI and SSI. These include:
- You must be at least 18 years old (or under 18 with a qualifying disability).
- You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- You must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your disability.
The Process for Submitting an Application
If you believe that you qualify for disability benefits with a mental illness, the next step is to submit an application. You can apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
To apply online, you will need to create a My Social Security account and complete the online application. This typically takes about 1-2 hours and requires you to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence to support your claim.
If you prefer to apply by phone, you can call the SSA. A representative will take your application over the phone and mail you a summary to review and sign.
To apply in person, you can visit your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office by using the SSA’s office locator tool on their website. It’s a good idea to call ahead and schedule an appointment to avoid long wait times.
Post-Approval: What to Do
If your application for disability benefits is approved, you will start receiving monthly payments. The amount of your payment will depend on your specific situation, including your work history and income level.
However, your work doesn’t stop there. To continue receiving disability benefits, you will need to report any changes in your condition or work activity to the SSA. This includes:
- Any improvement in your condition that allows you to return to work
- Any work activity, even if it is part-time or volunteer work
- Any changes in your income or resources
- Any changes in your living situation, such as getting married or divorced
You may also be required to undergo periodic medical reviews to ensure that you still qualify for benefits. These reviews typically occur every 3-7 years, depending on the severity of your condition and the likelihood of improvement.
It’s important to stay on top of these requirements to avoid any disruptions in your benefits. If you fail to report changes or attend medical reviews, your benefits may be suspended or terminated.
Contact Benefits Claim for Support with Getting Disability Benefits for Mental Illness
Navigating the disability benefits process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a mental health condition. The application process can be lengthy and complex, and it’s not uncommon for initial applications to be denied.
That’s where Benefits Claim comes in. Our experienced team of disability advocates and attorneys can help guide you through the application process, ensure that you have all the necessary documentation, and represent you in any appeals or hearings.
If you are struggling with a mental illness and are unable to work, don’t hesitate to reach out to Benefits Claim for help. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
