How to Qualify for Mental Disability Payments

The U.S. government offers financial assistance to individuals with disabilities through two different Social Security programs, disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The disability payments offered through these programs can help you if your disability prevents you from being able to work. If you suffer from a severe mental disability, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or manic depression, you might be eligible to receive disability payments. Elements to highlight on your Social Security application include your limitations and need for financial assistance.

Things You'll Need

• Medical records
• Financial records

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Instructions

• 1

  Provide medical documentation of your mental disability along with your completed Social Security application. In the application review process, an agent of the Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review your medical documents and interview your doctor on the phone to determine the severity of your mental disability.

• 2

  Demonstrate how your limitations prevent you from working. In the application review process, Social Security personnel will try and determine if you can work an alternative position, rather than the one you worked before. Elements they look into in order to make such a determination include education and past experience. Your chance of receiving disability payments lessen if you can fulfill an alternative position.

• 3

  Illustrate your need for financial assistance. Social Security offers disability payments on an as-needed basis. Disabled individuals in dire need will be more likely to receive Social Security disability payments than individuals with various financial resources.