While Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is often associated with physical disabilities, the fact is that mental disorders can also qualify you for these benefits. The challenge is that you need to work with an expert Villa Park SSDI attorney to ensure that you’re able to apply for and receive the benefits you’re due. Social Security has revised the rules for a number of mental disorders, and that can make applying difficult. Really, just navigating the application process can be a challenge.
For instance, most of the titles for mental disorders have been updated or changed. If you previously studied the application process to make applying simpler, you’ll find that the titles no longer match up to what you remember. Thankfully, the five-point functional limitation scale is still in use.
There are new listings available, as well. Both 112.115 and 12.15 deal with stressor and trauma-related disorders and several key areas related to functioning have been changed significantly. The SSA previously only included four areas here, but that has been increased to five areas, and all previous areas have been updated. You’ll find that the SSDI and DSM-5 definitions now match up more closely, too. This includes intellectual disability criteria. Finally, there is a new listing of neurodevelopmental disorders available, as well.
Working with a Villa Park SSDI attorney is vital to ensuring that you are able to understand the new changes to the criteria for qualifying mental disorders. These changes went into effect in early 2017, and include some of the most significant changes to this area of SSDI since the early 1990s.
While the areas mentioned above are the most significant changes and alterations made, there are others that could make it more difficult for you to navigate the qualification and application process.
Do you have a loved one with a qualifying mental disorder? Are you unsure whether or not your loved one’s mental condition qualifies him or her for Social Security Disability? Not sure where they fall on the spectrum? At Harold W. Conick & Associates, we can help ensure that you have the information and guidance needed. There is no reason that someone with qualifying mental disorders should not receive the benefits they’re due. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with us.
