Disability benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be obtained not only for physical ailments, but also psychological and emotional maladies. This means that, under some circumstances, people with psychological disabilities may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. But when can a psychological disability potentially qualify you for disability benefits?
What is a Psychological Disability?
In simple terms, a psychological disability is any emotional or mental condition that severely impairs your ability to hold down a job or complete daily chores, such as cooking and cleaning. This may include psychological issues like major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, not every psychological condition qualifies as a disability for the purposes of obtaining disability benefits.
What Kinds of Conditions May Count as a Psychological Disability?
As a general rule, a psychological disability must meet certain criteria to make you eligible for SSDI or SSI: First, your condition must be severe enough that it prevents you from earning a living or taking care of yourself. Second, It must cause substantial impairment despite following a prescribed treatment from your doctor or therapist. If you fail to get your condition treated, or fail to follow your doctor or therapist’s orders, your application for benefits may be denied.
How Do You Apply For Disability Benefits With a Psychological Disability?
To apply for SSDI or SSDI benefits for a psychological disability, you must first submit an application including all relevant information about your condition, including your history of treatment. Additionally, you may need to go to an interview at Disability Determination Services (DDS), a state-run agency that conducts medical examinations on behalf of the Social Security Administration. They will conduct an examination and interview to determine the nature and extent of your disability.
What Should You Do?
If you have been suffering from a severe psychological problem that has prevented you from working, you may be entitled to disability benefits. However, to maximize your chances of getting the benefits you deserve, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling disability applications like yours. Not only can they help you with your application, they can argue on your behalf in the event that your claim is denied and needs to be appealed.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
