It can be much easier to qualify for social security disability benefits if you have a physical injury that has limited your mobility and ability to do your job, but what if you have an emotional condition? Social security disability is designed to offer compensation for emotional conditions, such as depression, but it may be a little harder to get approved for benefits because you will need to prove that the condition exists, and here are two steps you will need to take.

Get a report from psychiatrist or therapist

Seeking continuous help from a trained therapist or psychiatrist is one of the main sources of proof you will need to get approved for social security disability benefits. When you visit a specialist like this for help, he or she will most likely complete a psychological test. This test is designed to reveal your:

• Specific problem – The test helps the psychiatrist fully understand what type of condition you have. This could include depression, anxiety disorders, or clinical emotional disorders.
• Limitations – such as problems focusing, completing projects, or being able to rationalize properly.
• Ability to function with medication – If you are on medication, the test will take this into consideration to determine if you can function normally if you are on the right medications.

To qualify for benefits, the psychiatrist will also fill out a form called a residual functional capacity (RFC) form. This form is needed to file for disability benefits, and it states similar things as mentioned above.

Hire an attorney

In addition to turning in the reports from your psychiatrist, you will also want to hire a social security disability attorney for help. This type of attorney specializes in helping people obtain disability benefits, and here are three ways these attorneys do this:

1. File necessary paperwork on time – There is a lot of paperwork involved in filing for disability benefits, and meeting the deadlines for this is crucial.
2. Gather evidence – Your attorney will also help you gather the required and necessary evidence to help prove that you are incapable of working because of the emotional disorder you have.
3. Represent you in court – Having an attorney with you at your hearings could also make a huge difference in your case.

If you would like to learn more about this process, or if you have questions about your case, make an appointment with a social security disability attorney (available at Banik & Renner or another firm) today.