How Do I Claim Disability for Mental Disorder?

Applying for disability is time-consuming and challenging.

Being awarded disability benefits for any condition can be challenging, but it is even more so in the case of mental illnesses. Because concrete proof is hard to come by, it requires more effort and time to prove your case. Do not be discouraged if your claim is denied. Even people with serious physical conditions must often go through the application process multiple times before being approved.

Instructions

1. Apply for disability benefits online or at your local Social Security office. You must be able to provide your work history. In addition, you will need to provide the locations of where you have been treated as well as contact information for the doctors who have treated you.

2. Request a disability interview through your local Social Security office. The employee assisting you at the interview will ask additional questions that could strengthen your case.

3. Request a mental health report from your physician, preferably a psychiatrist or psychologist; a social worker is also acceptable. Inform the person completing this report that it is for your disability benefits application. The doctor will assess how your condition affects your daily living, social functioning and concentration as well as any decompensation (a negative change in behaviors or mental functioning).

4. Request written observations from family members or close friends. Your local Social Security office may be able to provide you with forms for this; otherwise, one to two paragraphs each should do. These observations should address how your disorder has affected your everyday life as well as theirs; they will be very important in proving your case.

5. Hire a disability lawyer. The attorney can help strengthen your case as well as assist you with any paperwork you will be filling out. She also represents you in the event of a disability hearing.

Tips & Warnings

• Most claims are not approved the first time around. It will likely take three or more appeals for your benefits to be accepted.

• If your claim is denied, appeal it within 60 days.

• If your claim is denied three times, you will most likely need to attend a hearing.

• If your physician or mental health professional is unwilling to assist you in claiming disability, you may want to find a new one who will help you.

• Most disability lawyers will not charge you until your claim is approved.

• When your claim is approved, you will receive back pay, or benefits beginning from the time you originally applied for disability.

• If your claim is denied, appeal the decision. Do not file a new claim. This will only prolong your case as well as forfeit any back pay.

References

• Martha Churchill: How to Prove You Are Disabled When You Have a Mental Illness

Resources

• Social Security Administration