It is a common misconception that only physical disabilities make one eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) also recognizes several mental and emotional disabilities. Continue reading to learn whether SSDI can apply to you and how an experienced New Jersey mental & emotional disability SSDI benefits attorney at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can help determine your eligibility.
Can SSDI apply to my mental and emotional disabilities?
The SSA holds the belief that certain mental and emotional disabilities are so significant that they may affect one’s ability to retain and maintain employment. Examples of such mental and emotional disabilities that apply for SSDI benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Anxiety disorder.
- Panic disorder.
- Bipolar disorder.
- Postpartum depression.
- Seasonal depression.
- Manic syndrome.
- Schizophrenia.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Childhood disabilities.
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Learning disabilities.
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
- Early-onset dementia.
How can I prove my eligibility for SSDI benefits?
Once you confirm your mental and emotional disability is eligible for SSDI benefits, you must collect evidence that further proves your eligibility. More specifically you must prove the following information as true:
- You must prove that your mental and emotional disability has been officially diagnosed by a medical professional.
- You must prove that your mental and emotional disability has symptoms that have affected you for over a year.
- You must prove that your mental and emotional disability has symptoms that have affected your ability to work.
- You must prove that your mental and emotional disability has symptoms that have affected your ability to complete daily functions.
You can even go further with your application and point to the following as true:
- Your mental and emotional disability has affected your ability to concentrate on work-related tasks or information.
- Your mental and emotional disability has affected your ability to respond to constructive feedback from managers.
- Your mental and emotional disability has affected your ability to adapt to job-related or workplace-related changes.
- Your mental and emotional disability requires medications with side effects that affect your ability to perform manual, visual, and cognitive functions at work.
Notably, pieces of evidence that may be able to help you prove the above include doctor’s notes, therapist’s notes, prescriptions, medical documents and bills, statements made by employers, statements made by loved ones, etc.
For more information on how you can prove your eligibility for SSDI benefits, you must consult with a skilled SSDI eligibility attorney today. Moreover, we will ensure that you have fully prepared everything in your application to maximize your chances of receiving benefits. So pick up the phone and schedule your free initial consultation with The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur today.
