It is without a doubt that mental and emotional disabilities impact a large number of individuals throughout the United States. Such disabilities can touch every part of an individual’s life. For one, it can affect their ability to work and earn money. Unfortunately, even though it is rather common, there is still a stigma around mental health. And with this, you may be wondering if your mental or emotional disability is eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Read on to discover whether you qualify for these benefits and how a seasoned New Jersey mental & emotional disability SSI benefits attorney at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can fight on your behalf in obtaining them.
Will SSDI help my mental or emotional disability?
A common misconception is that SSDI benefits are only distributed to individuals who suffer from physical disabilities. However, it is also available to those who suffer from mental or emotional disabilities. This is because studies have shown that one in five individuals in the United States will experience a mental illness in a given year. And, one in 25 individuals in the United States lives with what is categorized as a “serious” mental illness.
With that being said, SSDI benefits will come to the aid of individuals who suffer from any one of the following mental or emotional disabilities:
- Anxiety.
- Panic disorder.
- Depression (i.e., postpartum and seasonal affective disorder).
- Bipolar disorder.
- Manic syndrome.
- Schizophrenia.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Childhood disabilities (i.e., learning disabilities, autism, and autism spectrum disorder).
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Early-onset dementia.
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the SSA’s criteria for mental or emotional disability?
Notably, to receive SSDI benefits for your mental or emotional disability, you must prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you are qualified. That is, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your mental or emotional disability symptoms must affect you for more than one year.
- Your symptoms caused a change in your ability to work.
- Your symptoms caused a change in your ability to complete daily functions.
- Your disability was diagnosed by a medical professional.
All in all, just because your mental or emotional disability is not visible does not mean that it is not real. With having to endure this, you deserve aid that will allow you to take care of yourself.
This is why we recommend that you retain the services of a competent New Jersey SSD attorney from our firm. Notably, we can guide you through the initial application process and the appeals process, if necessary. But also, we will help you apply for other types of financial support outside of SSDI benefits. As soon as you get the free chance, give us a call.
