SSDRC




Filing an Application for Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability List of Impairments

Social Security Disability and SSI Back pay

Social Security Disability Status

SSI Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability and SSI Requirements

Social Security, SSI, and Mental Disability

How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Benefits?

Qualifying: What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability?


Can a mental illness qualify you for disability?


 
Yes, you can qualify for either social security disability or SSI disability (or both if your claim is concurrent) on the basis of a mental illness. The key to being awarded benefits on the basis of a mental illness is simply providing medical record documentation that proves an inability to engage in what the social security administration refers to as substantial gainful activity or SGA. This simply means working and earning at least a certain amount, and this amount is subject to change each year.

Translation: you can work and still potentially be approved for disability benefits as long as your earnings do not exceed a certain limit. The reason social security (and SSI) works this way is because the federal government acknowledges that even individuals with disabling conditions may be able to engage in limited work activity.

Of course, if an individual demonstrates that they can work and earn more than the SGA limit, the social security administration will eventually have no choice but to conclude that the individual is not disabled, or, if they have been receiving benefits, is no longer disabled.

Also, and this is important to keep in mind: individuals who are filing on the basis of a mental illness should be particularly careful with regard to work activity. The ability to engage in work activity that is even below the allowable limit can sometimes sway the perceptions of a disability claim decision-maker...such as a disability examiner when a case comes up for review.

Note: all cases that have been approved eventually come up for review; for this reason, those who have been approved on the basis of a mental illness should carefully consider their circumstances before they engage in work.














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  • Social Security Disability & SSI Resource Center

  • Social Security Disability, SSI Questions and Answers












    Topics and Questions


  • Your Medical Condition and Social Security Disability or SSI

  • How Do I Apply For Disability- What Is The First Step?

  • Filing for social security disability (SSD) benefits and financial help

  • How Much Income Can A Person Earn If He Draws Social Security Disability?

  • If I Request A Hearing For SSDI, How Long Will I have to Wait?

  • SSA Disability Claim Decisions For Physical Problems

  • After I File For Disability Will Social Security Pay For Me To See A Doctor?

  • Why Will You be Sent to a Social Security Doctor?

  • Does the Social Security Administration evaluate mental and physical impairments in the same way?

  • How do you appeal your denial for disability?

  • Application Requirements For Disability - What Do I Need To Start The Claim?

  • How Long Does A Social Security Disability Appeal Take?

  • How Will Social Security Look At My Case If I have More Than One Disabling Condition?

  • Will The Condition You have Determine How Much You Get For Disability?

  • If You File For Social Security Disability How Far Back Will They Look At Your Medical Records?

  • How Many Work Credits Do You Need To Have For SSI?

  • How long Does SSI last?














    Special Sections


  • Answers to Social Security Disability and SSI Questions

  • Social Security Disability SSI - Income and Financial Issues

  • Social Security Representation Questions

  • Medical Evidence, Records, and Limitations

  • The Social Security Hearing Process







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    Return to -- Social Security Appeals Time Limit

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    Return to -- What Expenses Will A Social Security Attorney Charge In Addition To The Fee?

    Return to -- Do Most People Need To See A Judge To Get Disability Benefits From Social Security?

    Return to -- Social Security Disability Lawyers and 25% Back Pay

    Return to -- Will Social Security Attempt To Get A Letter From Your Doctor To Help Your Case?

    Return to -- What Is The Difference In SSD and SSI?

    Return to -- How is Social Security Disability and SSI Awarded?

    Return to -- Will my children get benefits if I get approved for disability?

    Return to -- Why Does It Take So Long To Get A Call Back From The Social Security Office?

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    Return to -- Applying for Disability according to state of residence

    Return to -- Social Security Disability SSI Blog ,

    Return to -- Social Security Disability and Money in the Bank

    Return to -- How long do you have To Be Out Of Work Before You Get Social Security Disability (SSD)?

    Return to -- The first appeal in a social security disability or SSI case

    Return to -- Using a Lawyer for an SSDI Disability Case

    Return to -- Social Security Disability SSI, Medical and Mental Conditions and Problems

    Return to -- Disability Lawyers - Questions about Hiring a Disability Attorney

    Return to -- Disability Lawyers in Various States