You may already know that if you have a physical health condition that interferes with your ability to work, you could qualify for disability benefits through the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). However, what some people don’t realize is that a person might also qualify for such benefits if they struggle with a mental health disability or issue that prevents them from earning an income.
For example, perhaps you have anxiety. If your anxiety is severe enough to prevent you from working, the following tips could help you better understand how you may demonstrate to the SSA that you’re eligible for disability benefits.
1. Determine If You Meet A Blue Book Listing
The first step in determining if you may be eligible to receive disability benefits involves referring to the SSA’s Blue Book. This resource contains information about the conditions that might qualify an individual for benefits. Check the section on anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders to determine if the nature of your condition meets the proper criteria.
2. Establish You Qualify Through Medical Records & Evidence
Be aware that the SSA denies most initial applications for disability benefits. Oftentimes, the SSA will deny an application because an applicant failed to provide sufficient medical records and evidence indicating their condition meets a Blue Book listing.
Saying this is not meant to imply that you will struggle to secure the benefits you may deserve. Rather, it is simply meant to emphasize the importance of gathering sufficient and proper medical evidence showing that you have anxiety. Forms of medical records and evidence that might prove valuable include (but are not limited to) the following:
● Reports from your doctors
● Psychological tests
● Records of any hospitalization
● Therapy notes
● Work history reports
Ultimately, the more evidence you gather, the better your odds are of receiving an approval from the SSA when you submit your application.
3. Keep Up With Treatment Plans
This is very important for several reasons. First, keeping up with a treatment plan will naturally improve your chances of recovering from your anxiety.
Second, it may also demonstrate to the SSA that you aren’t trying to take advantage of the disability benefits system. Your goal is to show that you are trying to address your condition so that you need not rely on benefits longer than necessary.
4. Fill Out a MRFC
A Mental Residual Functional Capacity (MRFC) form is a document that provides the SSA with important information about the nature of your condition. The purpose of this form is to explain how your anxiety interferes with your ability to hold down gainful employment.
Your doctor may assist you in completing this form. If they are unwilling or unable to for any reason, the SSA may connect you with a professional who can help.
5. Work With An Attorney
The process of gathering evidence and submitting an application for benefits to the SSA can overwhelm someone with anxiety. Luckily, this is not a process you have to navigate on your own.
Consider enlisting the help of a lawyer when seeking benefits. An attorney may unburden you by handling all major steps in the process. How much the SSA pays for a mental health disability varies, so an attorney might even improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. For more information, take the Free Case Evaluation on this page today to get connected and speak with a lawyer—at zero cost to you.
