Guide to Social Security Benefits and Mental Illness

This is a guide to social Security benefits and mental Illness. I will be covering the basics of what steps to take to receive benefits. I will then cover what to expect from Social Security in the determination of your benefits. I will give you examples of what to do to get approved and what not to do. Good luck!

Ok first of all determine if your mental illness qualifies for SSA benefits. You can go to www.ssa.gov to find out this information. Generally if your mental illness is documented and affects your ability to perform daily functions like work or care for yourself then you qualify. It is noteworthy to point out that drug abuse is no longer covered under social security as a valid mental illness. Another thing to point out is your benefits are dependent on a few factors such as: Have you worked and earned enough credits to qualify for benefits? How many credits you have earned? How many people are dependent on you for support? You earn credits by working and paying taxes out of your wages. If you have not worked or are a child and or an adult who has never been able to work due to mental illness then you should qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Once you determine if you qualify for benefits then the next step is to call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213or visit the website www.ssa.gov. You will then apply for disability benefits and wait for further instructions. Usually you will receive a call in a few days to a week to schedule a phone interview or a personal interview with a case worker. At this time you will need to submit your work history, birth certificate, and any other Identification they may request. You will be asked numerous personal questions about your situation, your work history, Medical history, etc.... A period of time later usually within a month or two you will begin receiving mail from social security with either request for more information or request for examinations by one of their psychologist, psychiatrist, doctor or other medical testing they need to verify your mental illness.

It is very important to make sure you respond to these request as promptly as possible and go to all requested appointments. Always answer honestly any questions asked because they can and will discover fraud and then you can be criminally charged. The thing to remember is to answer only what is asked and do not give more detail then requested. This is why it is often recommended to have an attorney assist you. I do not think it is necessary in most cases. Sometimes there is an actual hearing you must attend and be grilled with questions and what not. I did not personally have to go through this. I know of quite a few people who have. Your friends and family may be requested to answer surveys about you.

Depending on the outcome you will be determined to be temporary disabled, permanently disabled or denied benefits outright. If your denied then you must appeal and then reapply this is generally when a lawyer can be helpful. If you are approved for benefits then they will determine at what time you became disabled. This is retroactive 2 yrs from the date you applied. I have heard of others saying they were retroactive further back than 2 yrs. It must depend on the individual case. You will be given a lump sum amount of back pay. If you are permanently disabled you will also become eligible for Medicare benefits after a year of being on disability. Your children will also be eligible for SSA payment benefits which are also retroactive. Depending on how much benefit you receive you will also qualify for SSI. You will be able to work and make up to a certain amount a month without affecting you benefits the amount is different for every year. 2008 for non-blind disabled person is $940 a month. This is called Substantial Gainful Activity. If you make more than this amount then your benefit will decrease based on a formula they use. Your caseworker should explain this all to you. One benefit of SSA that is nice is you are given a period of time to return to work. What this means is if you feel you are ready and capable of working then you have a certain period of time to try to work without losing your benefits. If you continue to work and are successful then your benefits may decrease or go away altogether. SSA benefits are paid on the 3^rd of the month unless it falls on a holiday, Saturday Or Sunday, then they will be paid on the weekday before the 3^rd. SSI payments are on the 1^st of the month accept for the same conditions as SSA benefits.

I hope this has been helpful to you and good luck in your life. Do not for one moment feel lazy or less than for applying or receiving Social Security Benefits. That is what stopped me for almost 2 years until it was suggested by a doctor that I try. I am 31 and have multiple mental illnesses including severe manic depressive disorder/ schizoid affective, Bipolar, Post traumatic Stress disorder and some anxiety disorder. I went through the above outlined process and it was a matter of 4-5 months start to finish before I was approved and received benefits. If you are suffering from a mental illness get help and do not be ashamed. Mental Illness is just as debilitating as a physical illness. If you are denied then be sure to appeal and reapply. Follow all the rules and procedures and you will be fine.

Sources:

My own experience

http://www.ssa.gov