Seeking Disability Benefits for People With Mental Illnesses
Many people are under the mistaken impression that having depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses will not qualify you for Social Security disability (SSD) or SSI benefits, or that it is not worth it to apply because these illnesses are too hard to prove.
At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, PLLC, our attorneys have helped many clients obtain SSD and SSI benefits for depression and other mental illnesses. Contact us to set up a free consultation.
Having Issues That Prevent You From Working? We Can Help.
Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses are medical conditions that can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to function in the workplace and in society in general. For instance, mental illness can cause symptoms such as:
- Difficulty effectively coexisting with coworkers and customers
- Inability to concentrate on work-related tasks
- Inconsistency with things like getting to work on time
- Inability to handle stressful situations
If your depression or other mental illness has reached the point where it is causing symptoms like this, it may be considered a disability for the purpose of qualifying you for SSD or SSI benefits. Our attorneys can work with your doctor to document the effects of your illness.
Ida and Stephanie were great! They kept me posted about my case. They provided documents for my doctors to fill out so I had as much medical records as I could! Stephanie represented me in the Judge appeal and was great asking me questions about my disability and helping me convey those disabilities to the judge! I’m so grateful ☺️ for their help! Highly recommend them!
Working with Hiller Comerford was easy. They took care of everything and their communication was exceptional. I’ve already referred others to them.
Seriously grateful to my attorney, Ryan Taylor. I spent years trying to navigate VA disability on my own and they managed to finally make headway where I could not.
Everyone I spoke with and worked with was extremely kind and had great communication also they were compassionate,they worked very diligently to help me and kept me well informed throughout the process I couldn't thank them enough.
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law for their exceptional support and guidance throughout my disability benefits process. Their expertise and dedication made an overwhelming situation feel manageable, and they ensured every step was handled with care and clarity. I am truly grateful for their assistance and highly recommend their services.
My lawyer RyanTaylor was amazing. He told me exactly how the process goes, what to expect and how long it realistically would take. He was able to get for me exactly what I had tried twice to do myself but was rejected by the VA for. I will recommend all my Veteran friends to him.
Hard workers, always looking at the positive side of the case and always listening to the client. Only down remark is hard to get calls back.
Hiller Comerford have been amazing. They got me a fully favorable decision on my disability claim, I could have never been able to do that on my own. Everyone in their office is so kind and so knowledgeable. They really helped make a difficult time of my life a pleasure. Thank you so much Hiller Comerford!!!
The firm understands the situation, and are very acknowledged about the social security laws and guidelines. Staff were very friendly. The attorney that represented me was Charles Gaughan and the case manager was Olivia Fritzen. They did a wonderful job with my representation for my case. I would highly recommend The law firm of Hiller and Comerford.
Identifying the Underlying Causes of Substance Abuse
In many cases, people with serious substance abuse problems have underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. These issues are often the ultimate reason why the person has developed a drug or alcohol addiction.
Having a drug or alcohol problem will not disqualify you from getting SSD benefits if you have a disability that you would still have even if you stopped using drugs or alcohol.
Our attorneys are experienced at working with doctors to document the mental health issues affecting clients with substance abuse problems. To discuss your case with an experienced disability benefits lawyer, contact us today.
FAQ: SSD Benefits for Depression, Anxiety & Bipolar Disorder
What is the required documentation for SSD benefits with anxiety and depression?
The Social Security Administration looks for medical evidence showing how your condition affects your ability to work. This may include treatment records from psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, primary care physicians, medication history, hospitalizations, and mental health evaluations. In New York SSD cases, the most important evidence often shows limitations in concentration, attendance, social interaction, and stress tolerance. Our SSD lawyers can work with your providers to obtain and organize the records needed to build the strongest possible claim.
Do I need a lawyer for a mental health disability case in New York?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but mental health disability claims can be difficult because symptoms are often subjective and not visible on medical testing. An SSD attorney at our firm can help gather evidence, communicate with medical providers, prepare disability forms, and represent you at a hearing if necessary. We’ve built a reputation for helping New York disability applicants present clear evidence of how anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other mental health conditions prevent substantial work activity.
What happens if my New York SSD claim for mental illness is denied?
A denial does not mean your case is over. You generally have the right to appeal through reconsideration, an Administrative Law Judge hearing, the Appeals Council, and potentially federal court review. Many valid mental health disability claims are approved during the appeals process after additional evidence is submitted. Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law represents clients at every stage of the SSD appeals process, including federal court appeals when necessary.
How much does mental health disability pay in NY?
There is no fixed payment amount for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions. SSDI benefits are based on your earnings history and work credits, while SSI payments are based on financial need and may be supplemented by New York State. The amount you receive depends on your individual circumstances, not the diagnosis itself. Our attorneys can review your work history and benefits eligibility to help estimate what programs and monthly benefits may be available to you.
