How to Qualify for Mental Disability Payments
Disability is a difficult process, even for someone who has been educated in the practice. There are many things that must be documented (including diagnostic and treatment information) before a claim can be processed. Determining qualification, based on your specific condition, is the first step.
Directions:
- Gather together your medical records related to your specific mental disability. This should include detailed diagnostic information from a qualified mental health treatment professional. The diagnosis of your specific condition, any treatment (including counseling and medication), and effectiveness of medication should be included in the information. Make copies of all documents prior to making the application to have a copy of everything you submit.
- Fill out your disability application with the local SSA office. The Disability Determination Services will then review the information you submitted. This is why it is important that the information is complete and your condition is well-documented through mental health and medical records. They will also contact your doctor to discuss your condition, and the degree of severity of the condition.
- During the application process, the SSA personnel will ask you questions concerning your ability to work, either in the previous position or some other position. If you are able to work in some other job, you probably will not qualify for disability. This is because they are looking at total disability, which is the inability to work at all.
- SSA will look at your financial records to see if you need the assistance that disability payments would provide. Those who are worse off financially are more likely to qualify for disability than the wealthier.