Suffering from a mental condition is something that affects many people in Oklahoma. These issues can be so severe that the person cannot hold a regular job and needs to apply for Social Security disability benefits. When the Social Security Administration decides on the case and assesses whether the person’s problems meet the criteria for qualifying mental conditions, numerous factors are considered. One is the applicant’s living situation.
Psychosocial supports, structural settings, living arrangements and treatment are part of the evidence that is used to come to a decision and it is important for the applicant to understand the details of this and how it will influence their application. Family members or others might assist the person in their daily life. As a person receives treatment for the mental disorder, the living situation is factored in as to how it might help the person survive. There will be reports regarding the person’s functioning from the individual or others who reside, check in on or treat them.
There are multiple ways in which the family or others might help the person. If help is provided and daily activities are monitored to assist with functioning, such as giving medications, reminding the person to eat, shopping and paying bills for the person, or ensuring that they are never left alone, this is an example of help that is being provided. There could be a targeted training program, special education, or daily rehab treatments that are designed to assist the person in living independently.
A program that gives shelter, support or training in a transitional work program with assistance from a supervisor or coach falls into this category. People who are living in a group home or housing designed to aid with the transition to living independently; are hospitalized with 24-hour care or get assistance from mental health specialists or social workers; or the person lives alone and is in a structured environment with limited outside contact are all examples of these supportive and treatment-oriented settings.
The SSA will take these factors into consideration when deciding if the applicant should receive benefits. Living with a mental disorder is not easy to classify, as there are many ways in which the person filing for disability benefits will be hindered. Knowing the evidentiary requirements is a key factor in getting Social Security disability benefits for mental conditions and a legal professional experienced in the entire SSD process can help.
Source: ssa.gov, “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security 12.00 Mental Disorders – Adult,” accessed on Jan. 16, 2018