Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric condition that may be highly disruptive to an individual’s life. Frequent unwanted thoughts can compel the person to perform repetitive tasks, such as constantly checking things or cleaning, which characterise OCD. It affects every facet of life, such as work, school, and personal relationships. It may hamper a person’s ability to work and be especially difficult if the symptoms appear while the person is on the job. The Disability Benefits of OCD can improve quality of life and provide much-needed support.
Social Security Disability Benefits for OCD
The person with OCD may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits if their condition is severely debilitating and well documented. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a “Blue Book”, which lists OCD as an anxiety-related disorder under section 12.06. The Disability Determination Services (DDS) staff use the blue book to evaluate Social Security Disability benefits claims of OCD.
The ability to maintain a stable income is affected in people with OCD, which can quickly cause their financial situation to spiral out of control. However, in many cases, Social Security Disability Benefits can help mitigate some of the financial stress caused by OCD.
One of the most crucial documents required for the Social Security Disability application is the medical records that support the claim for benefits. The medical documentation must be detailed and extensive.
Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits
The application for Social Security Disability Benefits can be made online, via phone, or in-person at the local Social Security office. For the SSD benefits application to be approved: the person filing for it must demonstrate severe or total disability, which prevents the said person from engaging in work and other related activities and is expected to last for at least 12 months or may result in death.
The process needs to get started as soon as possible. On average, it takes more than three months to get an initial decision on a disability claim. To apply online, one must remember that they must not have had a disability benefits claim denied in the past 60 days, and they mustn’t already be receiving any Social Security benefits. The age of the person applying does not affect getting the help. If the disability claim is approved, the individual can receive the benefits.
How do I apply for Social Security Disability Benefits for OCD?
It is challenging to support a disability claim with a psychological and psychiatric condition like OCD. Critical medical documents are required to prove the claim. One needs to work closely with their psychiatrist and other physicians to collect the necessary, appropriate documents.
It can also be beneficial to seek assistance from a Social Security advocate or attorney to improve the chances of being considered eligible for SSD benefits since around 60 per cent of applicants are denied disability benefits during the initial application process.
If one gets denied, they can pursue a disability appeal to receive the benefits they’re entitled to. Ensuring that each form is filled in correctly and detailed answers are provided can make it easier for the Social Security Administration to understand how one qualifies for the disability benefits.
Total disability versus partial disability in SSD claims for OCD
Partial disability is when the individual cannot execute some of the essential and material duties of their occupation at the onset of a debilitating illness or injury.
Total disabilities are the ones that are often longer-lasting and more debilitating. They render the disabled person unable to work in their occupation. They may also be unable to fulfil the duties of any trade, considering their training, education, experience, and financial situation. Social Security Disability benefits are majorly provided only for total disabilities.
5 Steps to easily avail Social Security Disability Benefits for OCD
One needs to submit documents that cover three categories: Information about the person wanting to claim benefits, information about their medical condition, and information about their last job. Referring to the Adult Disability Checklist can help the person file the proper paperwork with the application.
Applying online is one of the easiest ways to avail SSD benefits for OCD. Here are the steps for the same:
Gathering Personal Documentation: The first step is gathering some personal documents to prove that the person is a U.S. citizen or has legal residency. A copy of the driver’s license, birth certificate, and Social Security card provides the SSA with the name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Adding the name of the bank, account number, and the Routing Transit Number allows one to receive money in the bank account promptly.
Keep the Social Security Number Handy: Avoiding making a mistake, such as missing a digit in the Social Security number, is vital. It can lead to the SSA denying the claim based on an incomplete form.
Be prepared with Reports: Information about medical evidence is integral to the Social Security Disability benefits application. A simple form listing the name, address, and contact information of the physician that diagnosed and treated the medical condition needs to be completed. A representative from the SSA may reach out to the physician to verify the medical information submitted. Submit A detailed report so that the SSA knows if the disability is temporary or will prevent the person from working permanently.
Have Treatment Details Ready : A comprehensive description of the treatments and rehabilitation sessions has to be submitted along with the test results, x-rays, scans, etc. The names and contact information should be shared with the SSA.
Job Information: Finally, information about the job needs to submit for a successful application. One must demonstrate that the disabling medical condition prevents patients from working. Proving that one can no longer work involves sending documents that present the financial information since the day one became disabled. These documents include copies of the W-4, monthly bank statements, and the timekeeping records sent by former employers. One also needs to submit a list of the previous jobs they worked for 15 years before suffering from a disability that forced the individual out of the workforce.
Conclusion
OCD Can be debilitating. Living with it every day is a challenge, and social security benefits can go a long way in supporting a person. With proper documentation, one can claim these benefits and improve their quality of life. For more information and guidance, visit the United We Care website.
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