Understanding Mental Disability Benefits Under Social Security
People suffering from mental and psychological conditions qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if their condition prevents them from working. As in cases involving physical disabilities, in order to qualify you must have been employed for a certain amount of time prior to filing and must present medical documentation regarding your condition.
How Social Security Evaluates Mental Disability Claims
When evaluating an application for a mental disability, Social Security Disability will first look at whether your condition is severe enough to significantly limit or prevent you from performing basic tasks associated with most jobs. Secondly, your mental health condition must be verified and diagnosed by a medical professional.
Mental Health Conditions That May Qualify
The law office of Quatrini Law Group represents clients in Social Security Disability applications and appeals involving a wide array of mental and psychological conditions.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders such as Depression, bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia can be severe enough to qualify for benefits.
Anxiety & Trauma Disorders
Agoraphobia, phobias, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder may be severe enough to significantly limit or prevent you from performing basic tasks associated with most jobs. Our Veteran Benefits attorneys also work with Iraq war and Vietnam veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Cognitive & Developmental Conditions
Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, Organic brain dysfunction, and heavy metal poisoning are some of the cognitive and developmental conditions that may qualify for benefits.
Common Challenges in Mental Disability Claims
In order to qualify for disability benefits for mental disorders or illnesses, your condition must be severe enough to significantly limit or prevent you from performing basic tasks associated with most jobs. These could include walking, sitting, lifting objects, typing, concentrating, carrying objects, engaging in conversation, remembering information, acting responsibly, following directions or reacting to situations in a way necessary for supervision, and interacting with co-workers.
How Quatrini Law Group Helps With Mental Disability Claims
If you are unable to work due to an inability to perform basic tasks, your mental health condition must be verified and diagnosed. We consult mental health professionals, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors when documenting our client’s condition and its impact on their ability to work.
Meet Our Social Security Disability Attorneys
A. Tereasa Rerko | (724) 552-2720
Michael V. Quatrini | (724) 552-2757
Adam N. Quatrini | (724) 552-2715
Brian P. Bronson | (724) 552-2708
Erika N. Dowd | (724) 217-8274
Related Social Security Disability Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Disability Benefits
What mental health conditions qualify for SSD?
Mood disorders, Anxiety and trauma, and cognitive and developmental disorders all potentially qualify for SSD, but the illness must be severe enough that it impacts performing basic tasks and it must be verified and diagnosed by medical professionals.
How does Social Security evaluate mental disabilities?
Social Security will need objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source to establish that you have a medically determinable mental disorder. They will also need evidence of the severity of your mental disorder and its effects on your ability to function in a work setting.
Do I need a lawyer for a mental disability claim?
You are not required to retain a lawyer to file a mental disability claim, but having a seasoned attorney on your side will greatly increase your chances of a successful claim.
Talk With a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Pennsylvania
If you need help filling out an application for Social Security Disability benefits or would like information on appealing your case, contact the law office of Quatrini Law Group or call 888-534-6016 today. We provide free consultations in order to evaluate your case and explain the options available to you.