When I started getting into trouble I became pretty acclimated to legal procedures. Calling my attorney and working out bail was just another way to spend a Saturday night. Unfortunately, the stiffer the charges, the more difficult it was to talk my way out of a bad situation. After so many charges, I found myself slapped with a long jail sentence, and I realized that I wanted to turn things around. Fortunately, my lawyer was able to walk me through yet another process, so that I could make the right changes. My blog discusses how to emotionally cope with legal issues so that you can start living a good life.
Trademarks are crucial for protecting your brand and standing out in a competitive market. However, navig
It’s unavoidable — as we age, we start thinking about our eventual passing and what will happen to our es
Being falsely accused of a crime is a nightmare scenario that most people dread. It's an incredibly stres
Workplace sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects employees in various industries. It is esse
Navigating through a divorce or separation can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to p
There are many different kinds of conditions that might prevent you from doing your job. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains an ever-changing listing of all types of both physical and mental conditions that may be covered by Social Security disability benefits. What might not be obvious to your co-workers and supervisor might create enough of a hardship that you are unable to work at your career. Read on to find out how the SSA handles disability claims based on mental health issues.
Accumulating Proof of Your Mental Condition
Suffering from a mental health condition like depression or anxiety can cause devastating effects on every area of your life from your personal relationships to your job performance. In severe cases, the symptoms of your mental health condition impact your normal job tasks. The SSA needs to see a direct connection between the illness you claim you have and your job tasks. One of the most helpful things you can do before you fill out your application for benefits is to make a list of your job tasks and note how that task is affected by your illness. For example, if your job usually involves speaking in public and you are now suffering from anxiety, you might be unable to perform that particular task.
Another important component of successfully achieving SSA benefits is the need to show hard proof of your condition. You must seek help from a physical or mental health expert as soon as you suspect a problem. You should continue to keep all appointments, take any needed medications, and follow the advice of your doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, mental health therapist, etc. Be prepared to present any records of your care to help prove your mental health condition. It might be helpful to keep in mind that the SSA requires that you be negatively affected by your condition and your ability to do your job for at least a year or for at least a year in the future. For example, if you had to quit your job six months ago and your mental health caregiver predicts that you could continue to be affected for at least six more months, you will have met that requirement.
Appealing the Ruling
Getting approved by the SSA for almost any type of illness is a challenge and will be more so with a mental health condition. You should prepare yourself ahead of time for a denial of benefits. All those denied will have the opportunity to appear at an appeal hearing before an administrative law judge and you should seriously consider taking a Social Security attorney to the hearing with you. Social Security attorneys are paid using your back pay so no upfront funds are required. Speak to an attorney about your case and never give up on your quest to be paid what you are owed and deserve.
Share