Question About People On Social Security Disability For Mental Disorders?

Question

People that have depression, bipolar, schizophrenia can sometimes work with therapy and medications.
Some cannot and go on Social Security Disability.
Do you think they have a real reason for being on it such as more severe symptoms or do you have another opinion about it?
Even though most get out more than they pay into the system, in fairness they have paid something into the system in the past to be afforded this benefit.
I am just wondering if most feel like it is a necessary benefit.

Answer 1

I am not on it for psyc. problems,but I know some that are and YES, it is necessary. Unfortunatly, a lot of people that need it, won't admit they have a problem.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Believe me, Social Security Disability is Hard To Get!
It is very common for applicants to be turned-down on their first application. From my own case and those of others I have known, I would say "expect to be turned-down" on the initial application. That takes you into appeals, and you only get a certain number of those. My last appeal was determined by what a judge had determined for my worker's comp case, my lawyer just couldn't believe they would rule against my disability, having seen me and my symptoms there on the stand, as well as my medical records.

Here I am, 6 years later, and no more able to work than I was 6 years ago. But Social Security does not agree. Injured on the job by a head injury, I cannot work, and I cannot get disability benefits from either Worker's Comp or Social Security Disability.

Answer 4

A mental disability is just as hard to manage as a physical disability... in some ways a mental disabilty is harder to cope with because people can't see it. We tend to help people with an obvious physical disability while people with mental disabilities often get sneered at. Pretty sad! I know a person who has a mental disability and they choose to walk with a cane (they don't need a cane for anything) but they use it because they feel like people understand a disability that can be "seen".

I think it's a necessary benefit and I believe that many people who need the benefit don't get it either because they lack the diagnosis and treatment in the first place. Also if you think about it there is a lot of crime that takes place as a result of lack of proper mental care. (No... I am not suggesting that all crime is a result of mental illness - but there is enough to be noted.) If more people had access to mental health benefits, I believe it could also reduce crime - even if just a little bit - it would be well worth it!

Answer 5

My friend made $2000 - $2500 every two weeks while working. Once he became very ill and had to get on disability ( mental problems), his check was only $940 per month.

I am very sadden about his change, he use to be nice, clean, happy, and cared about how he looked and dressed. Now his place is nasty, urine on the couch, and he wears the same clothes daily (sleeping in them as well) and he only leaves his place to go to his doctor appointments which someone has to make sure he makes and we make sure that he is taking his medication which is sometimes hard because sometimes he does not allow us into his apartment when we visit. Very sad story.

Answer 6

I work with this population, so first of all...they don't get very much money unless they have a long work history. Secondly, they are truly impaired and cannot work. Thirdly, a psychiatrist has to deem them unable to work and psychiatrists are NOT liberal in handing out disability determinations to people. Lastly, there's nothing worse than an individual developing a mental disorder, having a family and home to support, and being basically unable to leave the house. How can they continue to support their homes and families if they cannot function (i.e. work) like the rest of us?

Answer 7

I'm glad I paid into it, 9 years ago an illegal alien ran me over and left me for dead. Prior to that I Managed an Engineering Quality Program. Accident caused brain damage called TBI and made me half as smart as I was including the mental problems associated with the injury. I was 44 then and 53 now. If it wasn't for that income I'd be under a bridge.

Answer 8

I'm not sure what your question is.

A person needs to have been employed to get disability benefits. People who cannot ever work can sometimes get SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

People who are mentally ill are often extremely disabled. Therapy and medications don't always work.

Yes, I think that people should get benefits.