How to Qualify for Social Security With a Mental Disability

If you have a mental disability preventing you from working, you may qualify for Social Security with a mental disability. Your mental disability must be verifiable. In order for you to be eligible for Social Security with a mental disability, you must have a job that pays you Social Security taxes and you mental disability must last for a year. 

1. Prepare to apply for mental disability by tracking your mental issues. Write down how those issues affect you from performing your job. Keep track of your mental issues in a journal or diary. Consult with your physician, so he can prepare a written letter and copies of your health records you need to include with your Social Security application for disability. In addition, ask your friends, family members and your employers to write letters about your mental issues. Gather materials, such as medical history (medications), counseling and hospitalizations. In addition, gather your birth certificate, payroll records, Social Security card, checkbook and other relevant information.


2. Contact your local Social Security Administration office or visit the office to receive the disability application. You can obtain the application online on the Social Security website. 


3. Fill out and complete your disability application. Once you complete your application to qualify for Social Security with a mental disability, submit the application to the Social Security Administration. Your application should have instructions or a representative at the office should have given you instructions on how to submit the application.


4. Attend every meeting, evaluation and interview that your local Social Security Administration has scheduled for you. The information that the Social Security personnel gather in these meeting is used as an assessment to validate your mental disability. Ensure that you respond to all letters and phone calls from your local Social Security Administration. 


5. Hire a lawyer if your disability application is declined. Do not give up. Always be persistent. Hiring a lawyer that specializes in disability cases will give you hope that you can appeal their decision and you may receive your disability benefits.