Do Mental Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?

July 19, 2013

More claims for Social Security Disability Benefits are being filed in the United States today than ever before. One of the leading types of disabilities being listed as the need for benefits are mental conditions. This leaves many wondering though, “What mental conditions qualify an individual for benefits?”

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that most mental conditions be stringently documented by medical professionals and meet other criteria as well. For instance, an individual wanting Social Security Disability for Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders must show they have experienced repeat documented instances of symptoms that has impaired the patient’ ability to work. Furthermore, the individual must show inability to maintain at least two of the following:

• Daily Activities without Restriction
• Social Functioning
• Concentration or Pace
• A Period of Time Without Episodes of the Disease

Once an application for benefits is received by the SSA, along with all the necessary documentation of the disease from medical professionals who have treated the patient, the agency will begin processing the claim. This can be an extremely drawn out process that can take months to complete.

The Social Security Disability Attorneys with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin are aware of how frustrating the processing of a disability benefits claim can be. That’s why the firm is here to help if you are considering applying for benefits or have a claim that has been denied in the past.