For close to 7 decades, mental health organizations across the United States have commemorated the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to decreasing the stigma associated with mental conditions and spreading awareness about the need for treatment for persons suffering from these disorders.
It is important for family members and caregivers of persons with mental health disorders to know more about the person’s eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration pays out benefits to millions of persons who suffer from mental disabilities every year. Out of the 8 million persons who receive Social Security disability benefits every year, as many as a quarter receive benefits based on their mental disorder.
Most beneficiaries who receive benefits for mental disorders are above the age of 50, but you can definitely qualify for benefits even if you are younger. Depression and anxiety-related disorders are some of the common conditions that qualify a person to receive Social Security disability benefits. Beneficiaries may also suffer from PTSD or other mental or intellectual challenges.
A mentally disabled person may find it as, or even more, difficult than a physically challenged person to do work that earns him a sustainable income. Intellectual impairments or challenges can mean difficulty in cognitive thinking, lack of concentration, mood changes and other symptoms that make it difficult for persons to work in most occupations. Symptoms of PTSD or anxiety, for instance, can mean panic attacks, severe dips in mood, catatonic episodes, agitation, confusion and other symptoms that can erode the person’s productivity at work.
If your loved one has a mental health condition that prevents him from working, contact this law firm about applying for disability benefits.