Does Social Security Disability Approve Mental Health Claims?

The short answer to this questions is, “Yes, it does.” But it’s really more complicated than that. The requirements for qualifying for a Social Security Disability mental health claim are stringent, and your chances of having your application approved can be greatly improved with the assistance of the law offices of Norman J. Homen. We are Social Security lawyers practicing in Orange County and surrounding areas, and our number one goal is to provide our clients with the best possible results in a timely manner.

The Social Security Administration uses the guidelines in what is called the Blue Book to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. Section 12 of the Blue Book lists nine categories of mental disorders under which you might qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. These include:

  • Affective disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Autism and related disorders
  • Mental retardation
  • Organic mental disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Schizophrenia, paranoia and psychotic disorders
  • Somatoform disorders
  • Substance addiction

The Social Security Administration evaluates each disorder according to its own criteria, and essentially to qualify for assistance you must be able to show that you meet the criteria. Or, alternatively, you must establish that the sum total of all your disabling conditions meets the criteria and prevents you from engaging in any gainful activity.

As you can see, the requirements are stringent, and this is not a place where you want to be struggling alone. The simple fact is that about 75% of those who apply for Social Security Disability have their claim rejected. That leaves them with the task of filing an appeal for their denied claim, and that process can take months, even years, and there is no need to take on that arduous task without help.

At the offices of Norman J. Homen, we have years of experience working alongside our disabled clients who need and deserve financial support. As you struggle to adjust to life dealing with a mental disorder, you should not have to also wrangle with the Social Security Administration.

Practicing as Social Security lawyers in Orange County and throughout California, we’ve helped thousands of clients, and we want to help you. Call us today at 866-383-4529 for your free consultation and let us fight for your legal rights as you focus on your health and family.