As Americans with mental illness struggle to address the financial strain caused by an inability to work, more and more are turning to the important Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program for financial assistance.
According to the Social Security Administration, more than 1.3 million people who are receiving Social Security disability benefits have been diagnosed with a mood disorder. Mental illness has become the second most common diagnostic category for beneficiaries, behind musculoskeletal system disorders and connective tissue disease.
SSDI provides benefits for those who have paid FICA taxes and no longer can work because of a long-term disability (defined as one that lasts at least 12 months or is terminal). Unfortunately, mental health issues can add layers of complexity to an already confusing process. As a Psych Central blogger wrote recently, mental health problems — or even the medications intended to treat them — can make it almost impossible to stay on top of the notoriously cumbersome claims process.
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I was one of the 44% who was approved on the first application. I applied online and never spoke to anyone at Social Security. I had the support of my psychiatrist and psychologist. I had one leave of absence of about 8 months and was currently on a leave of absence that had lasted a year. I had extensive records at both of my providers, more than a dozen hospitalizations and a history of ECT treatments.