Not all forms of disability are a result of physical impairment. A person may become unable to work due to a mental disorder. Such disorders can be temporary or permanent and may allow an individual to file a claim and receive Social Security disability benefits. It’s important to note that there is only one application process for both physical and mental impairments.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) only allows individuals to receive mental disability benefits in Las Vegas if their mental disability falls under certain requirements. Learn more about these requirements and whether you or a loved one qualify by scheduling a consultation with a qualified SSDI attorney.
Requirements For Mental Disability Benefits
The person’s ability to work must be impaired by their mental state, and their condition must last or be expected to last for at least 12 months.
There are nine different diagnostic categories of mental disorders under the SSA:
- Organic disorders
- Schizophrenic, paranoid, and other psychotic disorders
- Affective disorders
- Mental retardation
- Somatoform disorders
- Personality disorders
- Substance addiction disorders
- Autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders
In order to receive mental disability benefits at all, you must first meet certain work requirements. You must have been working continuously for an establishment that grants Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and have worked a certain number of hours to receive benefits. The older you are, the more points you need to be considered eligible for SSDI benefits. Likewise, your disability must be recognized by the SSA before any mental disability benefits will be granted in Las Vegas.
Common Mental Conditions that May Qualify for Disability Benefits
While the SSA has nine different diagnostic types of mental disorders that may qualify someone to collect benefits, there are a range of subsets of mental conditions within these categories that may give rise to eligibility. Common mental conditions that may allow someone to collect disability benefits include:
- Phobias
- Hallucinations
- Bipolar disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Clinical depression
Individuals who are suffering from panic attacks, eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), genetic mental disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or even migraines that affect their ability to procure and sustain gainful employment may also qualify for mental disability benefits in Las Vegas. Besides having a mental disability that renders someone eligible for benefits and meeting the associated work thresholds, the claimant must also be able to satisfy other related factors.
A seasoned attorney at our firm could advise whether your situation is categorized as a qualifying impairment based on the specific mental disorder involved, as well as other contributing factors. In addition to having been diagnosed with a qualifying disorder that impairs your ability to work for at least a year, the SSA will also look at elements such as whether your physician has outlined a set course of treatment to follow and whether your condition prevents you from accomplishing other types of work, not only forms of work that you have completed in the past.
There may be a range of other factors that the SSA could evaluate in determining the extent to which a mental disability impedes your ability to work and gain a clearer picture of your eligibility for benefits. A qualified legal professional could help you construct a detailed claim that represents the full extent of your challenges and impairments. For example, the SSA could look at how the disorder impacts your ability to maintain relationships with friends, family, and colleagues, to hold down full-time vs. part-time work, or to participate as a regular member of society.
Obtaining SSI Benefits for a Mental Disorder
If you do not qualify for SSDI due to a lack of work history, that doesn’t mean you are out of options. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead. While the benefits you may receive could be lower than what would be available through SSDI, SSI revolves primarily around need rather than your work background. Importantly, note that the application process is unified for both physical and mental impairments.
Individuals who have limited resources and income and who are 65 or older or have a diagnosed disability may qualify for SSI. In some cases, it may be possible to qualify for and receive a payout of both SSDI and SSI benefits. Whereas the amount of SSDI benefits paid out to a claimant will hinge primarily on their work history, SSI amounts are typically set amounts as established by the government.
What SSDI and SSI Benefits Cover
SSDI and SSI payouts can be used to cover a range of expenses. These are both designed to furnish the cost of your day-to-day and basic needs, such as food, housing, and clothing. Costs like mortgage, rent, or utilities could also be paid for using SSDI or SSI benefits.
Even if your application for SSDI or SSI has been denied, you may still be able to launch and appeal. A knowledgeable Las Vegas attorney could walk you through the administrative process of filing an appeal while helping to build a detailed, orderly claim that makes a clear-cut case for benefits based on your mental disability.
Discuss Mental Disability Benefits In Las Vegas With An Attorney
By retaining a Social Security disability attorney, you raise your chances of obtaining the insurance you need to aid you and your family financially. If you are unable to return to the same position you held before your injury or illness, or if you cannot return to work at all, do not hesitate to fight for the mental disability benefits in Las Vegas you deserve to receive. Shook & Stone has come to be known as one of Southern Nevada’s premier injury firms and is more than capable of helping you win your claim.
Call now for a free case evaluation with a friendly and experienced member of our legal team.
