Mental Disorders
Mental Disorders
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD) is a payroll-funded program to supplement the income of those unable to work due to disability.
General Qualifications for SSD Eligibility
For you to be eligible for SSD, your disability must last for at least a year or be terminal. You must also be under age 65 to be eligible, as 65 is normally the age of Medicare eligibility.
To be eligible for SSD, you must have accumulated a prescribed number of Social Security credits (normally accumulated through work experience and payment into Social Security) during the 10 years immediately preceding disability. Requirements vary according to age, and if you suffer disability before age 23 you may be able to draw on your parents’ Social Security credits without affecting your parents’ eligibility for SSD.
Mental Disorders
People often associate Social Security Disability with physical disorders, but mental disability can be just as devastating. If you’re unable to work due to a mental disorder, or you have a family member unable to work due to mental disability, it may be possible for you or your loved one to receive SSD benefits.
The Social Security Administration considers such disorders as depression, bipolar syndrome, anxiety-related disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, autism, and mental retardation qualifying conditions for SSD.
Although drug and alcohol abuse alone do not qualify for Social Security Disability, substance addiction disorders are recognized as a qualifying condition.
If the general qualifications for SSD eligibility are met and a mental disorder makes it impossible to engage in substantial gainful activity, you or your loved one may qualify for SSD benefits.
To qualify, it is necessary to present medical evidence of a mental disability that has lasted or is expected to last 12 months or mofre. Normally required are medical and laboratory reports, along with medical history information. Most likely, other documentation and testing will be required as well.
For further information about mental disorders and SSD, click here.
If you’re considering applying for Social Security Disability, click here for a free SSD evaluation. If you’ve already applied and been denied benefits—or you’re still waiting for the result—the free evaluation may help you learn how to make a stronger case for being awarded SSD benefits. If you’ve already been approved for SSDI, call MedicareMall toll-free at (877) 413-1556 and we’ll help you make sure you’ve got everything in order.
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