Unfortunately, suicide remains a serious public health concern. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. The reason for suicide in many causes is depression, which is a mental health disorder. Depression can cause some, but all, to not perform well at their jobs. When this happens, it is essential to receive professional help.
You may be wondering whether SSA benefits are available for people who are suicidal. Being suicidal is associated with poor mental health, which is as important as physical health. An individual with suicidal intentions may be able to qualify for SSDI benefits. But, getting your claims approved can be extremely difficult. Therefore, you may need assistance from Gallo, Cazort & Co. Law Firm.
Table of Contents
Is being suicidal considered a disability by the SSA?
In short, no. Simply being suicidal and having suicidal tendencies is not enough to receive SSA benefits. Being suicidal is not on the SSA’s list of disabilities. Similarly, if you commit suicide, your family will not be able to recover benefits simply based on that fact. If your suicidal tendencies are associated with another medical condition that qualifies for SSA, disability benefits may be approved.
Therefore, in simple words, if you have an underlying mental health condition behind your suicidal thoughts, such as depression, you are eligible to apply for SSA benefits.
Which mental health conditions are SSA listed impairments?
People who seek SSA benefits first need to establish that they are suffering from an extreme mental health disorder that is preventing them from working. The disorders listed under Section 12.04 of the Social Security Blue Book are as follows.
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
What do you need to prove in a suicidal SSA benefits claim?
Medical evidence is a key factor in SSA claims. If you suffer from extreme mental health issues that significantly affect your behavior and quality of life, you need professional help. You may think getting medical help will do no good to your mental health and ignore it, but doing that will only decrease your chances of getting your claim approved. Make sure you get your condition diagnosed by a professional and receive treatment. Keeping records of these treatments is crucial for your claim.
Other than medical reports, you need to have earned enough work credits. You need to have worked full-time for 5 years in the last 10 years. Other documentation includes:
- Detailed work history
- Social Security card
- Driver’s license or other photo identification
- Birth certificate to confirm your identity
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form completed by your physician
The RFC details what your illness allows you to do or not do. This will help the disability examiner determine what you can do, which work you can do, or if you can work at all.