It is well-known to many Columbus, Ohio, residents that people with physical disabilities have access to Social Security disability benefits. Unfortunately, many people think that it is only physical disabilities that are covered by the SSD insurance program. SSD benefits are also available for mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and more, as long as the condition impairs the patient’s ability to work.
As in the case with physical disabilities, receiving SSD benefits for mental health conditions requires an applicant to submit prior medical records that establish the disability. A separate medical consultative exam might also be necessary if the symptoms are not clearly manifest. It is crucial to determine whether, and to what extent, the mental disability impairs the person’s ability to earn an income.
For the kin of those suffering from a mental illness, the immediate concern is finding out the person’s eligibility and then applying for benefits. A glance through our website can give you a fair amount of information, from how you need to apply for SSD benefits, what documents are necessary, what needs to be done in the event of a claim rejection and how a claimant needs to approach the Social Security Administration for hearings and appeals.
The process of filing for disability benefits can be complex, depending on the condition, so a claimant should seek advice on what SSD benefits are available. It is important to recognize the fact that mental illness can be as debilitating as a physical disability and might result in a significant alteration to the person’s lifestyle. Such people often require prolonged care, given that certain conditions like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder may be aggravated by unexpected intermittent circumstances.