Mental Illness Social Security Benefits Guide: How to Apply

If you suffer from any mental disability or a combination of both, and you are considering applying for social security benefits, there are necessary facts you should know. Apply for benefits on line or your local social security office, especially, if you are having difficulties on your job. When I worked a "9 to 5" type job, my mental condition worsened. I had mental breakdowns on a monthly basis, and this interfered with my work performance.

Proving You are Mentally Ill

Keep all receipts or medical paperwork from all your hospitalizations. If you see a psychiatrist or therapist regularly, keep all receipts and make sure the mental health physician is keeping efficient records of your mental illness, diagnosis, and how it affects your daily activities. These are important pieces of paper work that the social security office needs when deciding if you qualify for disability benefits. Keep accurate phone numbers of your mental health therapists, and the current medications that you may be taking.

The Waiting Period

The reason many people do not file for social security disability benefits is because of the 3-6 month waiting period. You have to prove that you could not work, so they require that you not be working for this amount of time. If you cannot afford to do this, ask someone like family members, or anyone close to you to help you sort of, "foot the bill", until your social security benefits go through. This would help your chance to receive benefits.

Cut Back on Expenses

Cut back on unnecessary expenses while you await the decision. It will be worth the wait, you will get a sum of money for all the time you were out of work during the waiting period. After that, your next monthly allotment will be on its way.

Qualifications

You will not qualify for these benefits if you have not worked enough time to pay into social security. The amount you get is based on the amount you as a taxpayer paid into social security benefits. If you have not worked enough, you may qualify for "ssi" payments for disabled adults or children who do not make enough income to support themselves. There is still a long waiting period. Do your research before applying.

If your are approved you will receive an award letter stating the amount and social security will check back with you every 3-4 years to determine if your mental illness still hinders you from keeping a job.

If you are denied you can appeal the decision or get a lawyer to help you fight for your right to receive social security disability benefits for, mental illness.