Certain mental health limitations can make someone eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if their condition hinders them from being able to maintain substantial, gainful employment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate how the condition impacts the person’s ability to interact with others, concentrate, manage stress, and complete other work-related activities. Understanding which limitations the SSA considers when examining mental disability claims can help applicants strengthen their claims. Individuals struggling with severe mental health conditions that impact their ability to maintain employment may be eligible for these benefits. Read on to discover what limitations you can claim and how a seasoned New Jersey mental & emotional disability SSDI benefits attorney at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can support these claims.
Understanding Mental Disabilities That May Qualify for SSDI
Because it is not visible to the naked eye, it may be difficult to prove just how debilitating your mental health issues are. Nonetheless, if you make a strong enough case, you may still be eligible to retain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
The SSA considers mental health conditions under its official disability listings. These lists identify categories of mental disorders that may qualify for benefits when the condition considerably impacts the applicant’s ability to function in a work environment.
Mental Disorders Recognized by the SSA
- Neurocognitive disorders
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
- Depressive, bipolar, and related disorders
- Intellectual disorders
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Somatic symptoms and related disorders.
- Personality and impulse-control disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Neurodevelopment disorders
- Eating disorders
- Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
Important Takeaways Regarding Qualifying Mental Disorders
- The SSA evaluates mental health conditions in accordance with the Mental Disorders Listing found in the Social Security Blue Book
- A diagnosis alone is not enough, as you must show that the condition causes significant functional limitations that prevent full-time employment
- The SSA will consider medical evidence, like treatment records and information from treating physicians, when reviewing claims
- Documentation showing the impact of symptoms on function and performance is critical
What Mental Health Limitations Can I Claim In My SSDI Benefits Application?
Once you confirm that you have a qualifying mental disability, you may proceed with your SSDI benefits application. You must supplement your application with evidence from medical sources, past employers, and people who know you.
But because it is so difficult to be approved for benefits, you may want to take the extra step in proving how your mental disability has limited you from earning and maintaining gainful employment.
The SSA focuses on how a mental health condition inhibits vital areas of workplace functions, like concentration and communication. The SSA will evaluate four core areas of mental function when examining claims. These include:
- Understanding and remembering information
- Interacting with others
- Concentration and maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself
Severe limitations in one or more areas can support a mental disability claim in accordance with the Mental Disorders List used by the SSA.
Functional Limitations That May Support an SSDI Claim
- Your mental disability affects your ability to concentrate on tasks given in a workplace setting
- Your mental disability affects your ability to respond to adverse feedback from authoritative figures in a workplace setting
- Your mental disability affects your ability to participate in social interactions or work with others on tasks given in a workplace setting
- Your mental disability affects your ability to grasp the information that is necessary for holding a job position
- Your mental disability affects your ability to handle the pressures that come with holding a job position
- Your mental disability affects your ability to multitask when holding a job position
- Your mental disability affects your ability to maintain a sufficient energy level to get you through a workday
Additional Limitations Commonly Associated With Mental Health Conditions
- Some individuals may struggle to adapt to new instructions or workplace changes, ultimately impacting their performance
- Attendance and punctuality may be hindered by certain conditions
- Symptoms like mood instability or panic attacks can impact normal workplace function
- Certain disorders can make it difficult to make decisions or work independently
Evidence Used to Prove Mental Health Limitations in SSDI Applications
Mental health disability claims typically rely on documentation that illustrates how symptoms impact an applicant’s ability to work. The SSA will review several forms of evidence when determining whether a mental condition meets the disability standard.
Evidence Commonly Reviewed by the SSA
- Records from therapists, psychiatrists, or psychologists
- Notes regarding treatment history, mediation, and symptoms
- Statements from friends and family
- Employer statements explaining workplace difficulties
- Documentation showing repeated hospitalization or intensive mental health care
Contact an Experienced New Jersey Social Security Disability Lawyer
There is no time like the present when it comes to applying for SSDI benefits. Reach out to a competent New Jersey SSDI eligibility attorney as soon as you possibly can. Our team at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur will be awaiting your phone call.
