Social Security Disability

A: If you have recently been treated for your mental health issue, you will likely not be asked to undergo another examination for your social security disability claim. Someone who has not received treatment for 90 days or more (or does not have record of treatment from that time period) will likely be required to undergo a consultative examination. And exams may be requested for some claimants who have been treated recently and have current records. Unlike some physical impairment claims, mental impairment claims can require much more analysis into how the specific claimant is affected by the disorder. For that reason, Social Security frequently requests additional examinations for mental impairment claims. Your eligibility for social security disability insurance will be based on your ability to function and be employed within the context of your specific mental health state.

Q: Are there any pitfalls mental health claimants applying for social security disability should avoid?

A: A big roadblock for many social security disability claimants with mental health issues is incomplete treatment records. Records are often incomplete because the applicant has not been treated for the condition recently or his doctor has not submitted thorough data. Before you apply for social security disability, make sure you have been treated for your condition during the last 90 days. Then it is integral that you make sure your doctor has submitted thorough background information about the impact your mental impairment has on your employment and your daily routine. Contact the social security disability representative handling your claim to make sure all treatment records have been received. The second biggest hindrance for mental health claims is evidence that prescribed treatments have been ignored. A disability examiner will not be able to adjudicate a claim fairly unless he knows how that individual can function while under the influence of the medication and other treatments recommended by the doctor. When filing a social security disability claim, follow the treatments your doctor has outlined for you.

Q: Are there limits to how much money can you earn and still receive social security disability insurance?

A: Social Security has established a limit to how much you can earn each month and still receive your social security disability benefits. It is their philosophy that a social security disability claimant who earns above that amount is able to participate in the workforce and does not need financial assistance. That Substantial Gainful Activity limit is currently $1000 per month (before taxes). If you exceed that SGA, you will no longer be eligible for social security disability benefits.

Arslan writes about  social security disability.For more information on social security disability see http://www.HillAndPonton.com