Social Security disability benefits can help disabled individuals with their daily needs and expenses. Social Security disability (SSD) benefits can assist disabled individuals who are unable to work because they suffer from a qualifying medical condition severe enough that it prevents them from working.
In addition to qualifying physical medical conditions, disabled individuals may be able to qualify for Social Security disability for mental conditions. Eligibility for Social Security disability benefits is based on an inability to work because of a medical condition the disabled individual suffers from. Just like suffering from a physical medical condition that prevents the disabled individual from working, a disabled individual suffering from a mental medical condition that prevents them from working will need to demonstrate that their mental condition is severe enough that it prevents them from working.
Mental conditions that can qualify a disabled individual for Social Security disability benefits can include schizophrenia, autistic disorders, mental retardation, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. The Social Security Administration maintains a list of mental impairments that are considered inherently disabling which means that if a disabled individual suffers from one of the mental conditions on the list, they are presumed to be unable to perform substantial gainful activity which is the threshold to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration determines if the disabled individual’s symptoms meet the criteria to qualify for SSD benefits. Because the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits can be challenging and complex, it is helpful to know how a disabled individual suffering with a mental condition that prevents them from working can qualify for benefits.