Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, Autism: Social Security Disability
The Social Security Administration arranges mental health disabilities into nine categories:
- Organic disorders
- Schizophrenic, paranoid and other psychotic disorders
- Affective disorders
- Mental retardation
- Anxiety related disorders
- Somatoform disorders
- Personality disorders
- Substance addiction disorders
- Autistic and other developmental disorders
When reviewing the case, careful consideration will be directed towards the degree of limitation imposed on the claimant’s ability to work due to the mental disability. This inability to work any job must last for at least twelve consecutive months to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Medical records must be provided for all the above conditions, as well as evidence of symptoms and professionally diagnosed psychological abnormalities that demonstrate the claimant’s inability to work.
1. Organic Disorders
Organic disorders stem from brain dysfunctions resulting in physical or behavioral abnormalities. For a claimant to receive SSDI benefits, medical records must prove a loss of specific cognitive abilities and demonstrate at least one of the following conditions:
- Memory impairment- short-term, intermediate or long-term
- Disorientation to time and place
- Change in personality
- Change in mood
- Emotional instability (sudden outbursts, unexplained sadness and crying)
- Perceptual and thinking disturbances
- A drop of at least 15 IQ points, showing a loss of measured intellectual ability
These symptoms must result in one of the following:
- Restrictions of daily living
- Difficulty functioning in social environments
- Difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace when completing tasks
- Episodes of decompensation
Your Freedom Disability Services Advocate will assist you in determining whether you meet these requirements. If the claimant does not demonstrate these symptoms they may also provide medical documents showing a chronic organic mental disorder of at least two years, which has caused more than slight limitation of daily life activities including one of the following:
- Extended episodes of decompensation
- A residual process causing decompensation when mental demands increase or their environment changes
- History of at least one year of being unable to function independently outside of a highly supporting living arrangement.
If you feel these symptoms accurately illustrate your symptoms, or feel they do not describe your condition, but you still deserve SSDI benefits, call Freedom Disability Services at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our trained Advocates. Back to mental health disabilities list
2. Schizophrenic, Paranoid and other Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia is characterized by the onset of psychotic features paired with deterioration from a previous cognitive level. Claimants are typically approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits with medical proof of intermittent or continuous presence of the following symptoms:
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Extremely disorganized or catatonic behavior
- Incoherence, loosening of associations, illogical thinking, or poverty of content of speech
- Emotional withdraw or isolation
These symptoms also must result in one of the following:
- Restrictions of daily living
- Difficulty functioning in social environments
- Difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace when completing tasks
- Episodes of decompensation
If these symptoms are not present the claimant may also provide a medical history of two or more years of chronic schizophrenia, paranoid or another psychotic disorder, which has caused more than slight limitation in daily life activities including one of the following:
- Extended episodes of decompensation
- A residual process causing decompensation when mental demands increase or their environment changes
- History of at least one year of being unable to function independently outside of a highly supporting living arrangement.
If you are unsure if these symptoms accurately describe your condition, be sure to call Freedom Disability Services today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our specially trained Advocates. Our Advocates will help you through the application process to ensure you receive the SSDI benefits you deserve. Back to mental health disabilities list
3. Affective Disorders
Affective Disorders are characterized by a prolonged disturbance of mood along with a partial or full manic or depressive syndrome. Claimants are typically approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits when they provide medical proof of intermittent or continuous presence of the following symptoms:
- Depressive Syndrome including at least four of the following conditions:
- Anhedonia or continuous loss of interest in daily activities
- Substantial change in weight and appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Retardation or psychomotor agitation
- Loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Suicidal thoughts
- Paranoia, delusions or hallucinations
- Manic Syndrome including at least three of the following conditions:
- Hyperactivity
- Pressure of speech
- Flight of ideas
- Inflated self-esteem
- Decreased need for sleep
- Short attention span, easily distractible
- Involvement in high risk activities without thought of the consequences
- Paranoia, delusions or hallucinations
- Bipolar syndrome with a history of full symptoms of Manic and Depressive at the same time, and currently characterized by either or both syndromes
These syndromes must result in at least two of the following symptoms:
- Restrictions of daily living
- Difficulty functioning in social environments
- Difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace when completing tasks
- Episodes of decompensation
If these symptoms are not present, the claimant may also provide a medical history of a chronic affective disorder lasting at least two years that has caused more than slight limitation or ability to do basic activities. The claimant must currently be on medication or receiving psychosocial support for his or her symptoms including one of the following:
- Extended episodes of decompensation
- A residual process causing decompensation when mental demands increase or their environment changes
- History of at least one year of being unable to function independently outside of a highly supporting living arrangement.
If these symptoms describe your condition call Freedom Disability Services immediately to begin your SSDI benefits application today. If there is any uncertainty whether you qualify for benefits, call Freedom at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation of your claim with one of our Advocates. They will walk you through the process helping you understand how you qualify for SSDI. Freedom Disability Services will pay for the collection of all needed medical records and guarantees you wont pay a fee unless we win your case. Back to mental health disabilities list
4. Mental Retardation
Mental Retardation is characterized by a significantly below average level of general intellectual functioning. These adaptive functioning disabilities are typically acquired during the developmental stage. Claimants are usually approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits when medical evidence proves onset of the disability before the age of 22 in addition to evidence of one of the following symptoms:
- Dependence upon others for daily activities and inability to follow basic directions due to mental incapacity
- A valid verbal, performance, or full scale IQ of less than 60
- A valid verbal, performance, or full scale IQ of 60 through 70 paired with another mental or physical impairment rendering the claimant with limited functioning
- A valid verbal, performance, or full scale IQ of 60 through 70 resulting in at least two of the following:
- Restrictions of daily living
- Difficulty functioning in social environments
- Difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace when completing tasks
- Episodes of decompensation
If these symptoms describe you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to call Freedom Disability Services at (866) 761-5942 to begin your application for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Our Advocates have the professional experience needed to help you apply or appeal for SSDI benefits. If you feel as though your symptoms are not accurately described here, but you are unable to work due to your condition, call Freedom immediately for a free evaluation with one of our Advocates. Freedom will fund the collection of all necessary medical paperwork, and assist you through the process of applying for SSDI benefits. Call Freedom today for the benefits you deserve. Back to mental health disabilities list
5. Anxiety Related Disorders
Anxiety Related Disorders are characterized by either an existing disturbance or the onset of one due to either an attempt to master symptoms or resisting obsessions or compulsions. Claimants are typically approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits when a combination of the following symptoms are presented with medical documentation:
- One of the following symptoms must be present:
- General, constant anxiety including three of the following four symptoms:
- Motor tension
- Hypertension
- Nervous expectation
- Vigilance and scanning
- A constant irrational fear of a specific object or situation
- Frequent, severe panic attacks (occurring at least once a week)
- Frequent compulsions or obsessions resulting in great distress
- Frequent and invasive recollections of a traumatic experience resulting in great distress
- General, constant anxiety including three of the following four symptoms:
- Resulting in at least two of the following symptoms:
- Restrictions of daily living
- Difficulty functioning in social environments
- Difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace when completing tasks
- Episodes of decompensation
- Or the inability to function individually outside his or her home
If these symptoms accurately describe your condition call Freedom Disability Services to begin your application for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits immediately. Also, if you have any questions or feel your condition is not illustrated here, but you still deserve benefits call Freedom for a free evaluation with one of our Advocates. At Freedom we dedicate ourselves to Social Security claims and appeals, giving you the professional assistance to win your case. Back to mental health disabilities list
6. Somatoform Disorders
Somatoform Disorders are characterized by having physical symptoms for which there are no known physiological mechanisms or demonstrable organic findings. Claimants are typically approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits when medical proof of the following symptoms is provided:
- A history of physical symptoms that have caused the claimant to be on frequent medication, regularly see a physician and significantly alter life patterns. These symptoms must begin before age 30.
- Persistent disturbance of one of the following:
- Speech
- Hearing
- Vision
- Use of a limb
- Movement control
- Sensation
- Unrealistic comprehension of physical signs of a serious disease or illness
These symptoms must result in at least two of the following:
- Restrictions of daily living
- Difficulty functioning in social environments
- Difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace when completing tasks
- Episodes of decompensation
If you are unsure if these symptoms accurately describe your condition, be sure to call Freedom Disability Services today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our specially trained Advocates. Our Advocates will help you through the application process to ensure you receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits you deserve. Back to mental health disabilities list
7. Personality disorders
Personality disorders are characterized by long-term, inflexible, harmful personality traits that cause significant function impairment in social and occupational environments. Claimants are typically approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits when they provide medical proof of deeply ingrained, harmful behavior patterns associated with one of the following symptoms:
- Autistic thinking or seclusiveness
- Hostility or pathologically inappropriate suspicions
- Oddities of thought, behavior, speech and perception
- Pathological dependence, aggression or passiveness
- Persistent mood disturbances
- Intense and unstable interpersonal relationships and damaging, impulsive behavior
These symptoms must result in at least two of the following:
- Restrictions of daily living
- Difficulty functioning in social environments
- Difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace when completing tasks
- Episodes of decompensation
If you feel you have a personality disorder that has or will prevent you from working for at least 12 consecutive months, call Freedom Disability Services today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our Advocates. Their professional experience will help you complete you application for the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits you deserve. Back to mental health disabilities list
8. Substance Addiction Disorders
Substance addiction disorders are characterized by behavioral or physical changes associated with the regular use of substances that affect the central nervous system. Claimants are typically approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits when medical proof of any of the following symptoms is provided:
- Organic mental disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Personality disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Gastritis
- Liver damage
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Seizures
- Pancreatitis
If these symptoms describe you, or if you feel you have a substance addiction disorder not listed here, please call Freedom Disability Services at (866) 761-5942 today for a free evaluation with one of our Advocates today. If your condition has or will prevent you from working for at least 12 consecutive months, do not hesitate to call our Advocates and begin your application for the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits you deserve. Back to mental health disabilities list
9. Autistic and Other Developmental Disorders
Autistic and other developmental disorders are characterized by developmental deficits of both verbal and nonverbal communication skills, social interaction, and imaginative activity. There are also frequent, significant restrictions of interests and activities. Claimants are typically approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits when medical proof is provided for the following symptoms:
- For Autism:
- Deficits in reciprocal social interaction
- Deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication and in imaginative activity
- Restricted repertoire of activities and interests
- For Other Developmental Disorders:
- Deficits in reciprocal social interaction
- Deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication and imaginative activity
These symptoms must result in at least two of the following:
- Restrictions of daily living
- Difficulty functioning in social environments
- Difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace when completing tasks
- Episodes of decompensation
If you believe autism or another developmental disorder has or will prevent you from working for at least 12 consecutive months, call Freedom Disability Services today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation. Our Advocates have the professional case experience to help you through the application process and to win your claim. Back to mental health disabilities list
Remember, this is only a list of common mental disorders the Social Security Administration has predetermined severe enough to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. If you do not fall into one of these categories, but still feel your condition is disabling, call Freedom Disability Services today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation by one of our Advocates. Our Advocates will provide you with further information about each category’s specific criteria and assist you in determining whether you qualify for SSDI.
The foregoing information is based on published materials from the Social Security Administration (“Disability Evaluation Under Social Security”). It is meant to serve as an introduction to some of the factors used by the SSA in evaluating cases. It is no way comprehensive. While Freedom Disability Services can help you prepare an effective application for benefits, only the SSA can determine whether or not you qualify. For more information call Freedom today at (866) 761-5942.
41 comments to “Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, Autism: Social Security Disability”
Newer Comments → |
I feel i deserve ssdi now. I only get ssi right now,and have gotten it for 20 years. My disabilities are just about everything that is listed on this web site except ‘m not schizophrenic, or however you spell it. Just really need help if i can get ssdi. Thanks for your time, Lisa
To qualify for SSDI you have to have a work history and have paid into Social Security. You also have to have worked a total of five years within the last 10 years and expect to not be able to work for at least 12 months because of your condition. Even if you have a condition that meets SSA’s definition of disability, you still need to have the required work history. If you think you meet these requirements you may be eligible for SSDI and it could be worth it to get started on an application.
Does this website mention about people with learning disabilities? I’m one of them along with other health problems.
Thank you for wanting to help me and I mean thank you
i read over the disorders that are in the blue book forsocal security. I was diagnosed with paranoid anxiety and obsessive complusive personality disorder with hstoronic and narissictic features. i got my hiring 12/13/2010. do i have a chance at all? i cant hold down a job, and i got violent tendencies too. what can i do?
Jasmine,
If you have the work history required to be insured for SSDI and it can be proven that your medical condition is preventing you from working, you could get approved for disability benefits. It is advisable to get application help though because the process to get benetits is very difficult. If you are interested. please call 866-347-2910. Or fill out our contact form on this Web site so that an Eligibility Consultant can talk to you.
It’s NOT difficult to fill out the application for SSDI, you can do it online! The ONLY difficult part (maybe) is filling in the correct names of Doctors you have seen and all the medications you have taken for your issue. The application is NOT difficult to fill out at all !
Also, most sites don’t mention this but to be accepted for SSDI or SSI you need to be seeing, actively, a Doctor about your issues and have it document for nearly at least 2 years.
Be weary of these places that “help” you. They get about 1/2 your money if your case wins. If I were you, I’d fill out the application for SSDI online… Then see if you get approved, if NOT then..Appeal with a lawyer. But try yourself first.
I know, because I’ve been through it myself and collected 100% of my “back payments”. Because I didn’t have any “help” from someone.
Ms. Anonymous,
That’s great that you got approved on your first try. But, each case is different, with different circumstances surrounding that case. When you consider that nearly 65 percent of initial applications are denied, it can be very risky to try to get through this process on your own. Our article “Should I Apply Online for Social Security Disability Benefits?” discusses this issue. And, yes it is very true that you need recent medical history to help prove disability which is also explained in “Can You Medically Support Your Social Security Disability Claim?” Key to a strong disability case is being able to convince SSA how your disability impacts your life. You were successful, and that’s wonderful. But for others it’s not easy to tell their disability story. Many do need the guidance of a professional disability expert to help them get approved. You should know that the actual industry standard for all disability representatives who win cases is a percentage fee set by SSA from the claimant’s retroactive lump-sum payment. That lump sum represents the time it took to approve their case. This is always 25 percent capped at a maximum of $6,000. This Web site has many articles to help people with disabilities make informed decisions about applying for disability benefits. Whether or not they decide on getting representation or going it alone, is a personal choice, as is who to trust to help them. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m very happy you were successful with your claim.
My husband (nearly 58) has suffered from alcoholism and General Anxiety Disorder accompanied by severe panic attacks since his twenties. His diseases progressed until eleven years ago when things became so severe he was unable to leave home. He was fired because of his attendance record and now his inability to go to work. He went to Menninger’s, and his counselor advised that he wasn’t an alcoholic, but that he was just self medicating. After he had refrained from drinking for a month, she put him on Ativan, Paxil, and Neurontin. We tried to get disability at this time, but were denied because his counselor’s comments. After six years he started drinking again and continued to take the medication. His behavior became extremely bizarre at this point, and after three additional years he went through an alcohol treatment program. By this time he had suffered brain damage, and his cognitive thought processes are not good. We tried to get disability again, but because he hadn’t worked in ten years, he was once again denied. From where I stand, he was disabled when his therapist misdiagnosed him ten years ago, at which time he had enough work quarters to get disability. Is there any way he can be helped at this point? I make too much money for him to get SSI.
Viki,
Unfortunately, without recent-enough work credits your husband is no longer insured for Social Security disability insurance. He has been unemployed for too long at this point. This is a strict eligibility criteria. Getting approved for disability is a very difficult process and it appears, from what you say, that too much time has passed to pursue this avenue for help. Sorry we can’t be more helpful.
i have bi-polar disorder i also have post dramatic stress disorder i have severe memory loss i can’t function in daily activites i barley leave the house it’s like i have a severe social disorder i’m depressed all the time i’m very manic all the time i’ve had a hard time dealing with every day life and functions i can’t sleep i have a severe loss of appitite and i can’t seem to get help from anyone please help me i don’t know what else to do i think i deserve some sort of support from social securty and they just won’t help me i have doctor records for everything that i have said thank u so much for your time
I am a 53 year old former auto worker and truck driver. I have been diagnosed with Depression, General Anxiety Disorder,( panic and anxiety attacks) Shoulder pain due
to Neurotrophy, as a result of 3 ruptured disks in my neck from 9 years ago, Asthma and COPD.
I hired an Attorney who specializes in SSDI claims and we filed a request for a hearing with
a ALJ on 7/19/2010. All medical records support my claim. My Attorney said I probably
will not get my hearing until mid 2012 ! Is this time frame accurate for Iowa residents?
I have not been employed since 08/21/2008 because of my disability and i have no
income accept food stamps and living in and out of homeless shelters. I can’t even
touch my pensions from former employers. Is there anything i can do in order to
get my hearing sooner ? Any responds would be appreciated. Thanks.
I am a 56 yr old female who has severe depression for which I have been treated for the last 20 years. I also have a loss of cognitive function in that I am absent minded, forgetful, I go blank and words come out of my mouth that I don’t decide to say. A neuro psychologist tested me about 1.5 yrs ago and said my cognitive functioning is way below what it should be for my age. I am very depressed, it is extemely difficult to get up in the morning and get going, I feel hopeless and despondent much of the time. I am extremely uncomfortable in social settings and avoid going away at all costs and I avoid people, and I am extremely lonely. I went back to school for nursing, but had to drop out due to my anxieties and problems with cognitive function. I settled on being an LPN, but even small stressors can send me into severe anxiety and of course the depression is always there. The only place I am comfortable is my home. I have lots of medical records for depression and counseling, but my Dr. does not want me to get SS. He says he doesn’t think I need it. Life is such a struggle, he only sees me 1/2 hr every couple of months, he doesn’t live inside my head and know what my life is like. I have worked all of my life. Is there a chance for me to get SS? Nothing seems to work for any length of time…I am on meds and have been on several in the past 20 yrs.
Diane,
It would seem, from what you have explained, that you could be eligible for disability insurance especially if your condition is severly interfering with your ability to work, you have medical support from your doctors and you have a recent-enough work history. It is difficult to get approved, however, without the support of a disability advocate. One of our eligibility consultants can assess your situation to better explain your options. Please call 866-347-2910 if interested.
My husband has had a learning disability ever since he was a young lad. He, at that point had drawn soc. sec. benefits from his father until he was 18 yrs of age. Once he became a young adult, he then was able to get SSI benefits up until 2001. He ended up losing his benefits due to becoming incarcerated for 8 yrs 7 months. He/his mother was told once he got out, he could get his SSI back. He is now out and home. He had to re-apply and when he re-applied 1-2 times, he was denied. He went to a disability Attorny and the attorny told him that “HE” would be able to get his benefits re-instated, WRONG! He wasnt able to re-instate him as they told him “even tho you DO have a learning disability, there are a few jobs out there that a person with these disabilities can do, so we are not granted your benefits to be re-instated.” How in the world is a person supposed to support himself on the fact that the man cannot read, write, or even work (get a job) when no one will hire someone with a 2nd–3rd grade reading level, no ged nor high school education period! ? What can my husband do to get approved for his benefits to be re-instated?
Rosetta,
This is a hard question. The attorney probably did what he could to reinstate your husband but SSA apparently believes that your husband has the functional capacity to perform some level of work. Perhaps your local Social Security office could better explain what factors have changed about your husband’s case that has made them reach their decision. There are organizations that help people with disabiltiies find work. Perhaps there are work opportunities to find for him. A good place to start is Disability.gov.
I’m not sure if I can or should request disability. My case manager at the shelter where I live, my mom, and my Dr. have all suggested that I check into it. So. I suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, severe without Psychotic features 296.33 and Posttraumatic stress disorder 309.81. I have issues with certain people, places, noises, smells, etc. My question, should I try to see if I can get help from Social Security?
I am 20 years old, have generalized anxiety disorder and high functioning autism (Asperger’s Syndrome). I have worked for 2 years and volunteered for another 3 years. I cannot get a job where I live due to my conditions and also no one is hiring. I need some help please.
MaryAnn,
You may find valuable resources to help you at Disability.gov, Check out http://www.disability.gov for employment guidance and other resources. You are young to pursue Social Security disability benefits. It would be best to check with your local Social Security office to understand your options.
Hello. I’m 40 years old, and I have a bachelors degree in paralegal studies (for all the good it does – I haven’t had a job in the field since I graduated because I don’t have the experience all the attorneys seem to require, so my degree is virtually worthless). I do have about a year and half of experience in 2 different law firms, but that isn’t enough to find a paralegal position. I live in Mount Juliet, TN (near Nashville). I am currently working in an office setting, doing work that involves just me and my computer because even my boss knows that I’m uncomfortable having to deal with others. For about the last 3 1/2 to 4 years, I’ve had chronic pain problems and muscle tightness in my neck, back, and arms that no doctor can seem to find a reason for, but around that time I was also diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety, for which I am taking Pristiq and Seroquel XR, along with Trazadone to help me sleep. I also have what is either social phobia or avoidant personality disorder (I tend to believe the latter), but I don’t have a diagnosis for either of those. I see both a psychiatrist and a therapist, and I’ve brought it up to both of them. My psychiatrist just kind of waved it off. My therapist is actually trying to help me deal with it but hasn’t actually said that I have it. He actually feels that since I brought it up, I likely am not avoidant, because most avoidant people don’t want to admit it. Unfortunately, though, the whole social thing seems to be a big reason for my current issues. I am very uncomfortable around others to the point where I rarely speak to anyone all day at work and very rarely do anything socially except with very good friends. Of course, since I don’t speak to anyone at work, they don’t speak to me, either, which aggravates the depression and leaves me feeling so lonely and isolated, I can barely stand it. I’m much less lonely at home alone than I am around others who I don’t feel comfortable with (which is almost everyone). I can barely even leave my house alone to go to the store. I don’t even like to drive, both because it scares me and because I feel like other drivers are always looking at me. I can drive if I absolutely have to, but it makes me a nervous wreck. Luckily, I ride to work with a friend, so I don’t often have to drive, but I don’t know how long that arrangement will work. I always feel like everyone is looking at me and judging, so it’s easier to just stay home. More days than not, before the work day is over, I wish I could just die and not have to feel this way anymore. I’ve even contemplated “falling” over the railing on the 3rd floor, but that would just draw more attention to me, so I obviously didn’t do it. I want so badly to quit my job and just stay home, because I’m really afraid that if I continue to feel this way, I won’t be able to tolerate the pain (both the physical pain and the emotional pain) much longer. Even on the antidepressants, the depression just never really goes away. Even when I’m feeling comparatively good, the thought of suicide is always in the back of my mind – I really just don’t want to live in pain any longer, and nothing seems to help me feel better. Recently, I’ve also started having problems focusing at work. I’ve always been able to tune out conversation around me and focus on what I’m doing, but lately, I hear every little sound around me, and I feel like I’m losing my mind. I just want to scream at everyone to shut up so I can concentrate. The depression and anxiety just seem to be getting worse, even though I take my medicine religiously every day. There are days when all I want to do is just stay in bed all day because getting up seems so pointless. I can’t afford to not work, but I don’t know how much longer I can go on like this. My questions are this: (1) Can I file for disability while I’m still working so that hopefully by the time that nervous breakdown that I feel coming on gets here, my case will hopefully be close to being decided, or must I be unemployed when I file? (2) Since a large percentage of my problems stem from my inability to deal with other people, and I’ve never officially been diagnosed with either social anxiety or avoidant personality disorder, do I even stand a chance at getting approved? I do hope that you still monitor this site and will respond.
Theresa,
It is hard to say whether or not you would be approved for Social Security disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers, not only a person’s medical condition, but also their age, education and work history to determine if the severity of their condition prevents them from working at any job. You are young and it appears, from what you say, that you can work. Even if it is a remote job, working from home, you are lucky to have it. Also, the longer you can work and pay into Social Security the more you can get in benefits should the time come when you can’t hold a job because of severe medical conditions. You can work and apply for disability, but your income must be at substantial gainful activity, which means that you can’t work to earn more than $1,000 a month. It can take quite a while to get through the process before a decision is made. Please read our article about how SSA uses vocational grids to determine disability. Also, our articles on Eligiblity can help you decide if now is the time for you to contact your local Social Security office to apply for disability benefits.
Hello I am a 52 year old woman that has severe insomnia, anxiety and I am bi polar. sometimes I have an extreme fear of people. I have been known to go into my room and sometimes not leave it for months. I have seen one doctor who suggested I not try to work and apply for mental health disability. I have also been seen by local govenment run health centers. Six years ago I made $45,000 a year. I have gotton worse and been reduced to part time jobs at $8.00 an hour. I never keep them long. Right now I work 20 hours a week at $9 an hour. Before this job I was unable to funtion for over a year. My question is should I attempt applying on line or get an attorney who specializes in this feild? I read somewhere on line that someone applied onn line and was approved in 5 months.
Dayna,
The Social Security disability application process is complicated and it can take a long time to get approved. You must be able to prove, with medical support, that you are unable to work at any job because of your medical condition. Our article “Should I Apply Online for Social Security Disability Benefits” gives a good overview of the risks if applying on your own.. Of course, we suggest getting the help of an expert disability advocate. If you are interested in getting a no-obligation evaluation to help you determine if applying for disability is an option for you, please call 866-347-2910 to talk to one of our Eligibility Consultants.
My mental disability is exactly what it is. A disability = As in, disable. Preventing from something. I literally believe that my mind and me are separate. My mind fights me, and doesn’t let me do anything that will better myself or make me happy.
My mind made me drop out of school when I was 16. My mind attacked me when I attempted at getting a GED. My mind says to me, “What do you think you are doing, kid? You’re not allowed to have a GED”. And I’m like… “Why not?” And it says back “Uhh, are you stupid? Yeah you are, but I’ll tell you anyway. It’s because you are you, and you’re not allowed to have one.” I answer back with “Shut up, I’m going to get my GED anyway.” and next, this happens *SMACK* I fall down on my ass. Mind says “I told you, you are NOT ALLOWED. Now stay down there, and don’t get back up.” … and when I try to get back up, I get knocked down again.
My mind won’t let me be happy. I don’t have any friends. I am 26 years old now, and I am nothing. I tried killing myself, but failed. I’ve been sent to the mental hospital twice for self harm.
Typing this out right now is making me cry so hard. I hate this. I can’t work, I can’t do anything. I just sit at home all day while my family takes care of me. I sit on the computer all day long, and talk to internet friends. I don’t have real friends. I’m a virgin. I’m also gay, and I hate that too. What’s funny though is that I am a really attractive guy. One could take a look at me and say “Him? Depressed? No way.” but yes, that’s me. Mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety, depression. I can’t even talk. I have to communicate with my mom over Facebook. I can’t just go in to her room and talk to her. I can’t talk to anyone.
I’ve only covered some of the mental. Physical? I don’t need to get started on that. I’ll just sum it up with this — If I don’t get help soon, I’ll end up in a wheelchair.
I have been denied SSI twice.
I have a child who tried to take his life 3 times. I have worked a majority of my life, but after dealing with everything with my son I had a nervous breakdown and shut down. I started to hold things in to where when it came out it would come in loud angry outbursts that has caused me to be repramanded on several of my jobs and has caused me to detatch myself from the outside world. In 2007 my daughter was injured at school in which it left her paralyzed in her left arm as well as needing braces for both limbs on the left side of her body due to a stroke caused by her accident. This caused me to become even more angrier than usual.I have always had problems with my knee due to arthritis and in my wrists and shoulders but the pain has gotten worsed over the years the more I have become depressed. I get 2 hrs sleep a night if I’m lucky because I replay the incidents with my children back in my mind as I sleep and causes me 2 have nightmares where I wake up crying & having trouble breathing. There are alot of days where I just burst out into tears and my chest feels like it’s collasping on me and I have trouble breathing.I have been to may Doctors for the anxiety and the depression, but they don’t seem to think that my problems are serious enough. This has been going on since 2003 and I my days consists of hopelessnes and if I didnt have to get up for my kids I wouldnt get out of bed at all.
dear Susanna,
i have had firbro myalgia since 1995. i am an lpn who started to work in 95 and have been dx. in 95 in newton wesly hospital.by the head dr. in fibro in mass. since my diagnosis i have only been able to work part time excpet once. the job was flexible and gave me time off. my last boss was kind and also let my switch days and let me take time off without pay. i have been laid off since april fx. ft in feb. went back to work 2 days later laid off. i know the lay off has to do with my things but added to it was my inability to remmber they could’nt say that but off the record my boss would, i’m sure. i have been going to counciling a long time. have tried accupunture saw a pyhsartist for injectons in my muscles a bone and muscle dr. i am on pain medication and have been since 2002. methadone. i also see a psychatrist for about 4 years. but have been going to counseling for ever. i have lots of trouble with memory. i’ve always consider it to be fibro fog. but it has been getting really bad. have gone to pcp and nuerologist and my pysh. they all agreed i see a neuro psyc. i am right now going through testing i have very bad recall memory and will be dx with that. i am so afraid to work my responsiblities as a nurse are tremendous. and i can’t remmber peoples names. i forget how to spell. i could go on and on. do you beleive i have a chance at disability? i haven’t brought it up with the dr.’s but the neuro psyc mentioned it yesterday. i have more tests next week. have been taking tests for 3 weeks 3hrs at a time. please help. thank you for your time.
jackie
Jackie,
There are several factors involved to determine if a person can get Social Security disability benefits. You have a combination of conditions that could, if there’s support from your doctors, determine that you have disabilities that prevent you from working at any job. But, even so, SSA looks at other things too. If you’re working and making more than substantial gainful activity ($1000 a month) they will determine that you’re not disabled because you can work. If you are younger than 50, depending on your level of education, they may decide that you are capable of retraining for different work in spite of your medical problems. They system is very complicated and difficult. SSA must determine that a person absolutely cannot work because of a severe medical condition. It often takes one or two denials and a hearing with a judge before getting approved, if at all. You’ll have to decide if you want to pursue the process. If you do, we may be able to help you but will need to assess your situation first. If interested in a free evaluation of your case please call 866-347-2910 to talk to an Eligibility Consultant. I hope things work out for you.
Hi Suzzana I have been trying to get ssdi approved since 2005 and been turned down i have two aps open one in court appeals and one waiting for a hearing! I have severe depression and a anxiety disorder also medical problems diabetes type two with diabetic nerapathy,high blood pressure, degenertive disk disorder, fused disk non surgery! osteo arthritis and another type of arthritis i forgot what it is called but my pain management doctor said it is the worse type that any body can get! I dont know why i keep getting turned down? My age is 43 and i did go to school for human services! Do you have any clue why i would keep getting turned down? Thanks!
Cody,
Social Security would have had to tell you why you were denied. It is a very difficult process. As you must know, you have to meet SSA’s definition of disability, which is proving that your condition is so severe it is expected to prevent you from working for a year or longer or result in death. SSA also considers age and education and may think that you are young enough and able enough to retrain for different work. However, if this is any consolation, chances for getting approved are better at the hearing level. Maybe our article on how SSA uses vocational guidelines to determine a case might help you understand how complicated the process is. There are also non-medical requirements to meet too, in addition to proving disability. I don’t know all the particulars of your case. But I hope things work out for you. Good luck.
I have been diagnoset with Intermittent explosive disorder…dysthymia…and a learning disorder and was denied for SSI benefits and am going to appeal…is texas harder to get benefits then any other state? and second does anyone have any information are anything to help me with my appeal would be very appreciated.I need help so bad.
Scott,
There are specific rules Social Security must follow to determine a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case, which is the same for any state. You have to be able to medically prove that you are disabled, and you must meet a level of income and resources to qualify for SSI. Check out SSA’s electronic booklet about your right to question a decision made on your SSI claim to help you understand the appeal process for SSI claims.
I have bi-polar anxity i cant hold a job I had 4 all within last year. I stopped working i had a break down one night before i had to go into work and kinda got fired/quit. Never got a job since. I see a doc. every month but I still get the break downs and mood swings. I filed last Jan. and got denied. Can you help me. I have a 8 year old little girl I have to take care of, but right now my parents have her seeing how I cant proved for her and I still break down and get mood swings. Please help. I was gonna re apply this Jan.? what do you think?
Jenna,
I hope we can help you. The best way to find out is to call us at 866-347-2910 to talk to an Eligibility Consultant. The thing is, there are rules to get Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. You have to have paid into Social Security through your work, and have recent-enough work credits to be insured. If you don’t, no matter how severe your condition is to prevent you from working, you won’t be able to get SSDI. So if this is the situation for you, you can look into getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is based on income and resources, not work history. However, you still have to be able to medically prove that your condition is disabling. Your local Social Security office can help you with SSI. Just so you know, you could have appealed your denial last year. But you had to do that within 60 days of the denial. If it turns out that you have a case we can hekp you with, the process will have to start over. But I wouldn’t wait to get started. Good luck.
Why dose the goverment give to the people that can work money and people that cant work get deined ?
Jenna,
The government follows strict rules for approving disability cases. They have to make absolutely sure that a person is unable to work at any job because of their medical condition. There are many factors involved in making that decision. The government does want to help. That’s why there are programs like Social Security Disability Insuraince and Supplemental Security Income. You just have to prove that you qualify for one of them.