Mental Illness
Social Security Disability for Mental Illness in Detroit
If you’re living with mental illness, you know how debilitating it is.
To outsiders, you may appear to be in perfect health. On the inside, you’re struggling to do routine things like getting out of bed, getting dressed and facing the day.
It can become downright impossible to focus on work and perform well in your job. That’s when your mental health problems turn into money problems, which just makes a hard situation worse.
But when you can’t work because of your health, you can get monthly checks from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to help you through a dark time. Disability benefits also qualify you for Medicare health coverage after a waiting period.
The trouble is, winning disability income is hard. Most people get denied and need to appeal. Proving a mental health problem to Social Security comes with special challenges, because it’s not the type of condition that can be confirmed with physical tests.
But have no doubt about this: Mental illness absolutely is covered by Social Security Disability. And if you get a skilled disability lawyer to help you apply for benefits, it can make a difference in your case.
Anxiety, depression, guilt, hopelessness and worry follow you everywhere. You need to know that help is out there for you—not just from health care providers, but financially, too.
The lawyers at Levine Benjamin Law Firm have helped thousands of people win benefits, including Social Security Disability for mental illness.
Our disability attorneys help people in Toledo, Traverse City and across Michigan and Ohio.
From applying to appealing, we help you every step of the way.
What would you like to do?
Does Mental Illness Qualify Me for Social Security Disability?
You’re far from alone if you have questions about Social Security Disability for mental health issues.
In fact, research from 2019 shows that nearly a third of all SSDI recipients were getting Social Security Disability for mental illness, including:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
Often the stress of being unable to work because of a physical impairment also comes with anxiety, depression and other mental health problems.
An experienced lawyer knows the Social Security Disability requirements for mental illness and how to present all of the health problems you’re facing—to give you the best chance of winning disability benefits.
If you’re wondering whether you have a strong claim for benefits in Detroit or anywhere in Michigan or Ohio, talk to our disability lawyers for a FREE initial case review.
How to Get Social Security Disability for Mental Illness
Proving your specific case for disability benefits for mental illness can be difficult.
Part of the reason is that you’re suffering from an invisible disability—one that outsiders can’t automatically recognize, compared to if you were in a wheelchair, or using a walker, for example.
Some people may even question, “Does mental illness qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?”
It does without a doubt. But no matter what health problems you have, the process of filing for benefits is long and complex. It’s difficult for anyone, and even more so for people whose illness makes it hard to focus and concentrate.
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits for mental illness or any impairment, you must prove these three things:
- Your mental health conditions make it impossible for you to do the work you used to do.
- Your mental health also makes it impossible to adjust to different work.
- Your condition will last at least a year.
The key to winning benefits is providing medical evidence. This evidence comes in two major forms:
- MEDICAL SOURCES—such as test results and observations from your doctor or other health care providers
- NON-MEDICAL sources—such as reports from people who personally know you
Social Security wants as much “objective medical evidence” as possible, meaning concrete evidence from sources other than you.
What Evidence Meets the Social Security Disability Requirements for Mental Illness?
These are the specific kinds of medical evidence you can turn in with your disability claim:
- Reports from your health care providers
- Lists of medications you take
- Records of times that you were hospitalized
- Documentation that you regularly visit therapists
- Descriptions of all ongoing treatment you’re receiving
- Statements from people you know about how your mental health problems alter your life
To get Social Security Disability benefits for mental illness, it’s absolutely crucial that you show a record of seeking regular health care for your mental health problems, such as continuing visits to psychiatrists or psychologists.
Signs of ongoing treatment help to show Social Security that your mental health condition is serious, that you have continued seeking help for it over time and that your condition remains debilitating even as you seek help.
Your disability attorney can help you gather, organize and present this evidence—and meet all the Social Security Disability requirements for mental illness.
At Levine Benjamin, we provide relief from much of the legwork that goes into applying for Social Security Disability for mental illness.
Getting Help from a Trusted Disability Attorney for a Mental Health Claim
When you can’t work because of mental health problems, it’s a highly personal situation. You need help from someone who treats your case with dignity and respect.
The lawyers at Levine Benjamin believe in providing personal attention for your case.
For decades now, Levine Benjamin has helped over 80,000 people win the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve—benefits that help put food on the table and keep a roof over your head during the most challenging time in your life.
Many clients come to us with mental health conditions. We know how to navigate getting Social Security Disability benefits for mental illness so you receive the benefits you need.
Don’t let the seemingly overwhelming task of applying for Social Security Disability benefits stop you from even beginning the process.
When you work with us, you’ll pay no attorney fee until you win disability income.
Let us help you improve your financial security, your overall sense of stability and your ability to focus on your own life and well-being.