Pennsylvania residents like you may have fine physical health. But you need more than just your physical health to function on a day to day basis. If your mental health struggles, you may not enjoy the same level of functionality that other working adults have.
In some cases, the level of disability you suffer from may allow you to attain eligibility for disability benefits. But what falls under this category and what do you need to achieve these benefits?
Categories of mental health disorders
Social Security discusses 11 categories of mental disorders. These are eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. These include a wide array of disorders and diagnoses. Neurocognitive disorders include Alzheimer’s and dementia. One category alone includes bipolar disorder I and II, and major depressive disorder. Neurodevelopmental disorders include Tourette syndrome. And these are only a few of the disorders and diseases categorized under SSD.
What do you need to apply?
Next, you need evidence to apply for benefits. There are many different forms you may need to provide. This can include your psychiatric, psychological and medical histories. It can also include psychological testing results, laboratory findings and diagnoses.
You may submit statements from yourself or people you interact with on a daily basis like teachers, employers, family and friends. This allows Social Security to get a more comprehensive picture of how your disorder affects your daily life and ability to function.
Gathering the information and evidence needed can feel like a daunting task. However, the end benefit is the possibility of gaining benefits which can help you function in daily life.
