Does PTSD significantly disrupt your daily activities and quality of life?
Does PTSD make keeping a job difficult when trying to manage your symptoms?
Can you get disability for PTSD?
Receiving a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be life-altering, affecting every aspect of your daily life. The question of whether you can receive disability benefits for your PTSD is a critical one, potentially offering much-needed support. This post dives into the complexities of applying for disability due to PTSD and the resources available to help you through the process.
Understanding PTSD and what is a disability
The reality of PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event, causing a variety of symptoms that can vary significantly from person to person.
PTSD symptoms you may experience include:
- flashbacks,
- nightmares
- severe anxiety
- uncontrollable thoughts about the event
The condition can feel incredibly debilitating for you. It can significantly impact your ability to work, sustain relationships, and live an everyday life.
Defining disability
In the context of PTSD, disability refers to an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity due to severe limitations caused by the disorder. When experiencing PTSD symptoms, the ability to work, maintain consistency in performance, and sustain productive capabilities can be seriously compromised.
Qualifying for disability benefits due to PTSD
The eligibility criteria
Social Security Disability benefits are available to you if your PTSD is severe enough that it causes significant limitations in your ability to perform basic work-related activities. To qualify, the symptoms must persist for at least a year and be supported by medical evidence. This evidence is essential for demonstrating the severity and ongoing nature of the condition.
Building a case
Gathering evidence to support a disability claim for PTSD might include medical records, psychological evaluations, and testimonials from family, friends, and employers about the impact on daily living and work. Legal representation can also be a valuable asset in navigating the intricacies of the claims process.
Applying for disability benefits
The initial application
The first step in the application process is to complete the necessary forms, which can be found online or at your local Social Security office. It’s essential to provide as much detail as possible and to be thorough in explaining how your PTSD hinders your ability to work.
Information SSA will ask you on your disability application includes:
1. Information about your condition
- Names and phone numbers for your doctors
- Names and phone numbers for hospitals/clinics where you’ve been treated
- Medical tests you’ve received
- Medication(s) you take
- Date of injury and claim number for workers’ compensation (if you receive it)
- Permission to access medical records
2. Basic information about yourself
- Social Security number
- Where you were born (city, state, country)
3. Recent work
- Names of employers for the past two years
- Dates of employment
4. Current and past marriages
- Your spouse/former spouse’s Social Security number and birthday
- Date you got married/divorced
- Where you got married (city, state, country)
5. Direct deposit for benefit payments
- Routing and account number for your bank account
6. Name of eligible children
If you have children under age 18, 18 or 19 and in high school, or who became disabled before 22, they may be eligible for benefits too.
7. Medical documentation
One of the most vital components of your application is the medical documentation. It’s imperative to get as much medical documentation as you can to support your symptoms and your need for disability insurance. Ensuring that all medical evidence is presented coherently and compellingly to support your case will give you the best chance at receiving benefits.
Navigating the process
Potential roadblocks
The process of securing disability benefits can be complex and lengthy. Common challenges include:
- Denials.
- The need for more evidence.
- The requirement for additional examinations or interviews.
Understanding these potential roadblocks can help you better prepare for what to expect.
Seeking professional support
A Makin Wellness therapist can provide invaluable support for your PTSD symptoms and guidance on the disability application process. They can facilitate communication between you and the Social Security Administration, interpret medical documentation, and offer guidance on the next steps.
Because this can be a lengthy process, having the support of a therapist to talk through the process and guide you step by step can help you feel like you aren’t going through this process alone.
How to apply for SSDI benefits
There are different ways you can apply for disability benefits:
- Apply online
- Apply online here to get started on your disability application.
- Set up an appointment
- Available in most U.S. time zones Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. in English and other languages.
- Call +1 800-772-1213
- Tell the agent you want to schedule an appointment to apply for benefits. They’ll schedule it and determine whether it’ll be on the phone or in person.
- Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing.
Reminder: Have all the information in front of you that was listed above to make the disability application process as smooth as possible.
The importance of a support network
Personal support is crucial while you navigate your PTSD symptoms and apply for disability benefits. Surrounding yourself with a network of supportive friends, family, and others who have gone through similar experiences can provide the encouragement and advice needed to persevere.
It may be easier to isolate or keep your experiences to yourself. Secluding yourself only makes symptoms worse. Find people who are empathetic to what you are going through. Feeling like you have people to lean on when life gets tough is crucial to processing your experiences and knowing you are worthy of being cared for well.
Conclusion
Seeking disability benefits for PTSD can be a challenging and complicated process. It is an important pathway to essential support for you, especially when your symptoms become severe and life-altering.
By understanding the criteria, gathering appropriate documentation, and enlisting the help of professionals and supportive resources, you can increase your chances of receiving the benefits you need and deserve.
Follow the resources above to get started in applying for disability benefits.
Seeking support
Do you think you experience PTSD symptoms, need a diagnosis, or would like guidance on applying for disability benefits? Call us at (833)-274-heal or schedule an appointment to speak to a Makin Wellness therapist who can support you during this difficult time. Take the first step toward the support you deserve.
