Millions of Americans suffer from mental health conditions. These conditions may include major depressive disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders – just to name a few examples. In some cases, a mental health condition can significantly impair your daily life.
Although you can collect Social Security benefits for physical conditions, it may be more difficult to collect benefits for a mental health disorder. Some claim examiners may not understand why these conditions are debilitating. Fortunately, it is not impossible to get Social Security disability benefits for mental health conditions. Conditions that may be eligible for benefits include:
- Autism spectrum disorders: Individuals with autism spectrum disorders have an impaired ability to communicate with others. Conditions like Asperger’s syndrome may fall within this category of spectrum disorders.
- Clinical depression: It may be possible to receive benefits for major clinical depression. Individuals with this disorder may have a difficult time meeting the obligations that are required for work or other life activities.
- Bipolar disorder: Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, can be extremely debilitating. Individuals with this condition may cycle between bouts of mania and severe depression, making it very difficult to meet the requirements of a job.
- Anxiety disorders: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder can impair a person’s ability to function at a job. Both conditions are anxiety disorders that can substantially limit a person’s ability to function in life.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Individuals who survive or witness traumatic events can suffer from PTSD, an extremely debilitating mental health condition.
- Psychosis: It is possible to receive benefits for disorders that cause psychosis, such as schizophrenia.
Can I Receive Social Security Benefits for a Mental Health Condition?
We have only discussed a small number of mental health conditions that can significantly impair a person’s life. Although some of these disorders can be treated, improvement does not happen overnight. It can take months or even years before doctor and patient discover a treatment plan that works. In other cases, a successful treatment plan may never be found.
If you have a mental health condition and want to learn more about receiving Social Security disability benefits, then we encourage you to call our office. Our Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys can discuss your eligibility for benefits.
