Some disabilities are readily apparent to the untrained eye. Others, however, are not so visible. Many people who seem perfectly “normal” can suffer from debilitating disabilities that make it nearly impossible to work. These people often suffer in silence, with very few understanding the nature or extent of their condition. Such is the nature of mental illness. Fortunately, many of the people who suffer from mental illnesses can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from maintaining full-time work activity. July is National Mental Health Awareness month and to help those who suffer from mental health conditions, we will be discussing some of the conditions that can qualify a person for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Bi-Polar Disorder
Bi-polar disorder is one of the mental illnesses that can qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits. Many people with bi-polar disorder are bright, intelligent and creative individuals. However, they suffer from mood swings that can make it impossible for them to even get out of bed some days. Needless to say the condition can significantly impact their ability to hold down a steady job. The SSA has recognized this fact and there are many bipolar individuals who have been awarded disability benefits from the SSA.
Schizophrenia
Various forms of schizophrenia can qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits. The nature of this mental illness can make it very hard for a person to function in the working world. As such, the SSA has set forth criteria that can establish eligibility for benefits for those who suffer from this mental illness.
Affective Disorders
According to Section 12.04 of the SSA’s Blue Book, those who suffer from affective disorders, which are disorders that are characterized by a disturbance in mood which are accompanied by a full or partial manic depressive syndrome, may qualify for benefits from the SSA.
Anxiety Disorders
Many people suffer from anxiety disorders that can significantly impact their ability to function in the outside world. Some of these people face social anxiety that is so severe that they suffer from panic attacks whenever they have to interact with people they do not know, whether it be in person or even on the phone. Under Section 12.06 of the SSA’s Blue Book, those who suffer from anxiety disorders may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
Even if your mental illness is not listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, it is very possible that you can receive Social Security Disability benefits if you suffer from a mental illness that prevents you from performing full-time work activity. If you believe that your condition interferes with your ability to work, you may want to discuss your case with a Social Security attorney in order to discuss the merits of your claim and get the claim process started.
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