Understanding Your Social Security Disability Psychological Assessment

Recently, I attended a social security disability psychological evaluation with a friend who has filed for disability benefits. I want to share a few insights about the visit so that you will know what to expect if you are required to complete a psychological evaluation in order to determine your eligibility for disability benefits.

The doctor is not for or against your disability claim.

First, it is important to recognize that the physician to whom your case has been assigned does not work for Social Security or the government. You will be sent to a licensed psychologist who has agreed to perform an unbiased evaluation of your psychological well-being. Don't be intimidated by the doctor.

Answer questions as honestly and thoroughly as you can.

This is no time to be shy. Don't over dramatize, but be completely honest in answering questions. You will be asked for a lot of basic information about your life and medical history. Be patient through this. The evaluation is coming. You will be asked about your condition. It is important to talk about how you feel and function on your worst day. After all, it is your worst days that are hindering your employment.

You will also be asked about the types of activities you participate in and how you care for yourself. These questions help the doctor determine if your mental illness incapacitates you in any of these activities. If you have to have help, say so.

You can also expect questions related to your psychological functioning.

Expect quick standard testing of your psychological functioning.

These questions are generally easy, depending on your mental health. Some questions will test memory, others will assess basic skills such as addition (You may be asked to count by 3's or any other number.) and subtraction (You may be asked to count backward by a given number.), your ability to interpret common phrases and connections, and current events.

The doctor will record in detail your answers to all questions and will also make observations about your personal grooming, presentation, and affectation. A summary will be written and forwarded to social security within 10 days. If you have requested it, a copy will be sent to your primary care physician.

In most cases it doesn't take long from the time of your evaluation to receive a decision from the Social Security Administration.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Social Security Administration