Experience with disability benefits/SSI?

[penguinl0v3s]

I want to apply for disability benefits for psych related issues, which is probably pretty hard to get. Has anyone actually been able to get approved for this reason? In the US. I feel that I won't be able to hold down my job for long because I constantly have mental breakdowns at work. And people notice, because we all work in the same space. Including my boss.

How did you successfully justify you needed it?

I'm still pursuing my education, so the income would be helpful until I graduate and get a job. If I don't kms first.

 

[ferrie]

It's extremely difficult to get SSI approved for mental illness. Your first step should be to talk to your provider to see if they think you qualify. You have to have a physician fill out a residual functional capacity form & extensive medical documentation showing your symptoms & what treatments you've tried. You're more likely to be approved the longer your documented history of symptoms. You also need to have proof that your symptoms have interfered with ability to work for at least a year. It doesn't have to completely take away your ability to work, just your ability to work full time. You'll also need an attorney who specializes in disability advocacy to help compile the necessary documents and present your case to the judge because there are a lot of hoops to jump through & many people are denied the first time they apply

 

[let.me.let.go87]

I've been receiving SSI for psych since 2008. Since about two years after I got out of the state hospital the first time. I had to get a disability lawyer even tho I spent 8 years in a state hospital ( I went back in after being rewarded SSI) and was currently homeless due to mental illness and the state hospital having literally dumped me on the streets upon my release. There are usually lawyers in every state, disability lawyers that will allow you to pay only a small portion of your lump sum after you win and only if you win. But it's going to be quite an uphill battle. You have to go thru multiple evaluations. If you don't have records of inpatient stays or therapy or anything for psych then forget about it. Sorry just being honest. They want you to have a long psychiatric record to reward SSI. Also if you live in California you will get more SSI than other states. I've lived in California and got about $250 more a month but when I left then state that money was taken away. The current max SSI payment is $941 a month for every state except California. I think New York should offer the extra money as well but I've been told they do not even tho the cost of living is also absurd.

 

[Marine]

I want to apply for disability benefits for psych related issues, which is probably pretty hard to get. Has anyone actually been able to get approved for this reason? In the US. I feel that I won't be able to hold down my job for long because I constantly have mental breakdowns at work. And people notice, because we all work in the same space. Including my boss.

How did you successfully justify you needed it?

I'm still pursuing my education, so the income would be helpful until I graduate and get a job. If I don't kms first.

I don't know if that'll be helpful since I live in France where it's fairly easy to get but I got mine because of severe complex trauma that induced various consequent disabilities including physical ones. I initially described it a psychiatrist and they completed the form that you need to get the benefits, then every few years I renew it with a GP for now.

 

[IwannaDazai]

I did, so it's possible. My situation was: in my early 20s, multiple (15+) inpatient psych hospitalizations, years of outpatient therapy records, medication records, poor employment history, etc. That's the stuff they like. I did also have things going against me, mainly substance abuse, a criminal record, and being otherwise healthy.
The more documents you have, the better. It's incredibly rare to be approved the first time you apply. So be prepared to get denied at least once, probably twice. It's gonna take a couple years and you'll need a SSI lawyer (their pay comes out of your back-pay when you get approved, so it doesn't really cost you anything to get one and they make all the difference) Good luck!!

 

[TakeMeToHeaven]

good luck OP
I'm also considering doing this since I can't work and I've been to the psych ward a few times