Assessing Social Security Eligibility

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict rules and regulations in determining a person's eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. Even with documents suggesting that a person does qualify, there are still guidelines that the SSA lays out for the applicant, and the beneficiary must follow them, lest they want to be denied of the benefits.

The SSA has a list of medical conditions to determine a patient’s eligibility for disability benefits. However, at times, conditions go beyond physical health. Among these are depression and anxiety. For these cases, a patient must undergo a psychological assessment or mental evaluation.

The doctors who are asked to provide a psychological assessment of a certain patient are neutral in their evaluation. A patient must keep in mind that these experts do not work in his or her favor, and neither do they work for the SSA’s favor. These experts have an obligation to give truthful diagnosis that they will then report to the SSA.

This type of assessment is simply composed of questions about one's lifestyle and illness. Patients must be honest with their answers so there’s little room or no room at all for doubt. Doctors usually ask about the symptoms of the disability being filed by the applicant, and how it really affects the patient's way of life. Overall, the assessment determines a patient’s psychological well-being and how it limits his or her capacity to earn a living.

Posted in: JanDils,social security,Social Security Disability,social security disability eligibility