Many people understand that physical disabilities can lead to the need for benefits. If someone suffers a spinal cord injury that means they can no longer walk, and they were doing physical labor, it is clear that they cannot return to the workplace. Physical disabilities are also often more obvious from the outside, as people can see the limitations that an individual may face or the way that the physical injury affects them.
But does that mean that you have to have a physical injury to qualify for benefits through the Social Security Administration? It does not. The SSA actually lists numerous mental or neurological disorders that may qualify for benefits. You do not necessarily have to suffer a physical injury in order to qualify.
What are some examples?
Every case is unique, so it is important to explore your options, gather the medical evidence and determine the next steps you should take to seek appropriate benefits. But some examples of conditions that may qualify include:
- Intellectual disorders
- Neurocognitive disorders
- Schizophrenia spectrum and related psychotic disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- General anxiety disorders
- Clinical depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
In some cases, you could even seek benefits for stressor-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you go through a traumatic experience, even after you physically recover, it could lead to panic attacks, flashbacks, anxiety, avoidance behaviors and many other symptoms.
If you do have one of these conditions, it is crucial that you know exactly what steps to take to seek the benefits you deserve.