Plan Benefits’: Mental Health Guide
Mental illness affects millions and can significantly impact one’s ability to work. This can lead to financial hardship, but there is help available through disability benefits. Here’s a simplified guide to applying for disability benefits for mental health issues.
Understanding Disability Benefits for Mental Health
In the U.S., two primary federal programs provide financial aid to individuals with disabilities, including mental health conditions:
1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
Social Security taxes fund SSDI. You must have worked and paid into Social Security for a specific time to qualify. You must have earned enough work credits over the last ten years. The exact amount depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need to have worked for at least five of the past ten years.
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
SSI is a needs-based program funded by ordinary tax revenues. Eligibility is contingent upon limited resources and income. While a specific employment history is optional for SSI, you must have less than a certain amount of income and assets.
Both programs provide monthly payments to help with living costs such as housing, food, and medical care. Your benefit amount depends on your work history and income level.
Medical Qualifications for Mental Illness
To qualify for disability benefits due to a mental illness, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes several mental disorders that can qualify for benefits, including:
- Affective Disorders: Depression and bipolar disorder
- Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Eating Disorders: Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
- Intellectual Disorders
- Neurocognitive Disorders: Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury
- Personality Disorders
- Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
- Somatic Symptom Disorders
- Trauma-Related Disorders: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
To support your application, you must provide medical evidence such as treatment records, therapy notes, medication lists, and statements from your doctor or mental health professional.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a minimum of 20 work credits during the previous ten years or for a specific period of time.
- Younger workers might qualify with fewer credits.
For SSI:
- Must have limited income and resources that fall below certain thresholds.
General Requirements for Both SSDI and SSI:
- Be at least 18 (or under 18 with a qualifying disability).
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your disability.
Applying for Disability Benefits
If you believe you are eligible for benefits, you can apply in Person, over the Phone, or online:
1. Online:
Create a My Social Security account to complete the application online. It usually takes 1-2 hours and requires personal information, work history, and medical evidence.
2. By Phone:
Call the SSA, and a representative will help you with the application. They will send you a summary to review and sign.
3. In Person:
Visit your local Social Security office. Use the SSA’s office locator to find the nearest office and consider calling ahead to schedule an appointment.
After Your Application
If accepted, your monthly payments will be determined by your income and employment history. To keep receiving benefits, you must report any changes, including:
- Improvements in your condition that allow you to work.
- Any work activity, including part-time or volunteer work.
- Changes in your income, resources, or living situation, like marriage or divorce.
You may also need periodic medical reviews, typically every 3-7 years, to confirm your qualify. Failure to report changes or attend reviews can lead to suspended or terminated benefits.
Get Support with Your Application
Applying for disability payments can be challenging, particularly if you have mental health concerns. Many initial applications are denied due to incomplete documentation or other issues.
That’s where Plan Benefits can assist. Our experienced team of advocates and attorneys can help you through the application process, ensure you have the necessary documentation, and represent you in appeals if needed.
If you are struggling with a mental illness and unable to work, Contact Plan Benefits today. We are here to support you every step of the way.
