The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes the impact mental disorders have on many American’s lives and their potential to cause long-term disability. In order to be eligible for disability benefits for a mental disorder, the condition must be diagnosed by a doctor and meet the criteria required for any disability including:
- The mental disorder must prevent you from doing any work which you have done until now.
- The disorder must make you unable to reasonably train for another job.
- The disorder must be expected to last at least a year.
The criterion for disability is the same regardless of whether you are applying for SSI or SSDI. It is critical that those seeking disability benefits for a mental health condition keep a journal of how the condition affects their daily life, both in and out of work. The SSA will take into account your daily activities when deciding whether you qualify for benefits, including your ability to do household tasks. You will need to be in current treatment for your psychiatric disorder. It is also important to have a psychiatrist write an opinion on your behalf, attesting to how your condition affects your ability to work.
If you have any questions about applying for disability benefits for a mental health disorder, contact this law firm for a free consultation.