Social security disability income can be used as a supplemental income for people with mild to harsh medical problems. Besides physical disabilities, emotional and mental disabilities are a reason to impair the ability to work and hold a job.
When applying for social security disability, a medical doctor, psychologist or a psychiatrist can evaluate the severity of your condition and let you know if you qualify for SSD. Even if you do not have a doctor, you can lay a claim with the help of family members, friends, a social security disability attorney or a disability advocate. Here are three emotional conditions that can qualify for an SSD.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition in which the patient experiences a reoccurring traumatic event. This emotional response to a stimulus that reminds them of the event can make the person physically and mentally unable to work or concentrate.
To be approved for SSD on the basis of PTSD, the client must have medical documentation by a healthcare provider like a physician or a therapist. The medical provider has to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form on their patient’s behalf to list the limitations for work.
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a condition that affects the everyday life of those suffering from it. Clients with OCD perform obsessive tasks to ease obsessive thoughts, feelings or ideas. This could be someone who always needs to check on the door locks to alleviate the fear of theft or someone who constantly cleans their home and belongings from germs.
OCD creates a cycle of repetitive actions that could take up most of the individual’s time and attention. Those with severe OCD are not capable of holding a job because of limitations to learning, following instructions, comprehending information, interacting in a socially-appropriate manner, concentrating, or regulating emotional responses to external events.
Panic Disorder
Individuals who experience panic attacks are eligible for SSD. A panic attack is an episode of physical response to seemingly existing danger. The one experiencing it has no control over the reactions of their body. Those can include a racing heart, sweating, shaking, hyperventilating, dizziness or headache. During a panic attack, the individual may be completely unable to tend to their work responsibilities.
Qualifying for SSD
When applying for Social Security Disability, you will go through an interview in which you will answer questions about your education, income and personal medical history. A social security attorney will understand if you want to bring someone with you to help fill out your documents and answer questions.
Author Bio: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer living in Boston, MA. When not writing, she enjoys reading and indoor rock climbing. Find her on Google +
