Approximately 25% of Americans have some form of mental illness. Mental disorders can be just as crippling as physical impairments. Most people are familiar with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for physical impairments. But, some do not know that SSDI and SSI are available to those who are unable to work due to mental disorders. The attorneys at Peña & Bromberg have helped many clients obtain benefits for mental impairments.
The process for applying and obtaining SSDI relating to a mental disorder is the same as applying for a physical impairment. A person must file an initial application with supporting evidence. The Social Security Administration will then review medical records and evaluate the person’s functioning in daily life.
In order to be approved for SSDI or SSI, a person must prove that his or her mental disorder prevents him or her from engaging in any substantial gainful activity. In other words, that he or she is unable to work enough to earn a certain amount per month. To do so, the claimant must prove that his or her mental disorder meets the criteria of one of those listed by the Social Security Administration.
Some of the categories of mental disorders listed by the Social Security Administration include:
- Organic Mental Disorders
- Schizophrenic Paranoid or Other Psychotic Disorders
- Affective Disorders
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Anxiety-related Disorders
- Somatoform Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Substance Addiction Disorders
- Autistic Disorders
If the person’s mental disorder does not meet the criteria, he or she still may be eligible for benefits and the Social Security Administration will conduct further evaluation of his or her functioning in order to determine if the claimant can work.
If a claim is denied, the appeals process includes a Request for Reconsideration, a Request for Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge and a Request for Review of Hearing Decision. Our attorneys assist clients with all stages of the SSDI and SSI applications and appeals.
If you are suffering from a mental disorder, you might be worried about how you are going to provide for yourself or your family in the future. The attorneys at Peña & Bromberg have over 30 years of experience representing clients in all types of disability matters. Their attorneys currently work on a contingency basis and do not get paid unless you win. If you are considering applying for SSDI or have applied already and been denied, contact Peña & Bromberg today by calling (559) 439-9700. Phone appointments are also available.