Those suffering from mental or psychological conditions may qualify for Social Security Disability payments. However, the very nature of the condition that qualifies you for financial assistance can be a barrier to your application being successfully approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

In order to qualify for these payments through either the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs, applicants must prove their condition(s) prevent their gainful employment. Proving a mental or psychological impairment can be harder for claimants than proving physical disabilities.

There is also a stigma that still clings to those who suffer from mental health issues, which can isolate them from the very avenues of help to get their benefits. While the breadth and scope of this post is too limited to list each psychological or mental condition that qualifies applicants for disability payments, below are some common examples of qualifying conditions.

• Bipolar Disorder
• Autism
• Schizophrenia
• Depression
• Mental Retardation
• Anxiety

Applicants have to substantiate that their mental conditions impair them to a degree that working is impossible. The condition must also be expected to continue for a year or more.

In the case of bipolar disorder, the condition itself can prevent sufferers from maintaining compliance with their treatment program, including taking their medications. As this condition cycles from extreme highs to dangerous lows, it’s not always apparent that an applicant is in the throes of the disease during the assessment period by the SSA.

If you feel that your mental condition could potentially qualify you for benefits, it’s worth your while to learn about your legal rights to seek benefits.

Source: FindLaw, “Mental Health Disability Claims,” accessed Jan. 19, 2018