On Monday, September 26, Social Security will publish a final rule to update the criteria we use to evaluate disability claims involving mental disorders. This rule, “Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Mental Disorders,” is the most comprehensive revision to the criteria since 1985.
Upon publishing this final rule, our standards and terminology for evaluating claims involving mental disorders reflect information from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition — the mental health profession’s current standard classification of mental disorders.
While updating this rule, the public had questions about our criteria for evaluating intellectual disability. From childhood onward, people with intellectual disabilities experience deficits in intellectual functioning and lack many basic daily practical and social skills. We decided it was critical to ensure these individuals receive necessary assistance as soon as possible. Therefore, we updated the diagnostic and functional criteria for this disorder and are using IQ test score criteria to identify quickly people who may qualify for disability benefits based on an intellectual disability.
Besides reflecting comments from members of the public, the rule reflects the expertise of disability policy experts, adjudicators, psychiatric professionals, and vocational experts.
During the careful, considered process of updating the rule, we’ve engaged with stakeholders, including: disability beneficiaries and their family members; psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health treatment providers; and advocacy groups for those with mental disorders. We also solicited, responded to, and incorporated public comments, and considered an intellectual disability report we commissioned from the National Academy of Sciences.
People with mental disorders are some of the most vulnerable members in our society, and we take our duty to provide them with effective service and support seriously. Publishing this rule is just one way we’re meeting our priority to secure today and tomorrow for millions throughout life’s journey.
You can learn more about the rule here.
This T.V. DEVICE DAMAGE MY BRAIN.GOV OPERATE DURING VIETNAM.I WISH IT TO BE REMOVED. PEOPLE TOLD NOT TO SAY ANYTHING OR PRETEND; DON,’ T KNOW.ARNOLD (TV PERSON)
Veterans sure do know how to scam Social Security. Was the device implanted when you got the immunization shot. It is very easy get that free Social Security disability money for a mental disorder.
The SSA’s definition of disabled is not strict at all even when it reflects the information in the DSM-V. Mental illness is subjective and based on what the claimant says.
I got approved without a treating source. It was the SSA’s psychiatrist/psychologist who approved me. The SSA even paid for my CE exam. Now I am getting free Social Security disability money.
I hear people say they hear radio signals from the metal fillings in their teeth. They even done research on this.
They might have injected you with the nanotechnology machines designed by the military.
You can tell the SSA any story and they will believe you and give you the free Social Security disability money.
this is not so I am disabled and it took me 3 years and a trail before I got my disability. Maybe you should check your facts first
LOL tony, you are right! just don’t tell them the truth or they will deny you benefits forever.
Boy do I wish!
you were lucky i was to i was in a metal hospital for a year and my parents applied for me for SS i knew nothing about it or i even had a check once i was released. i had planed to go back to work and did a year later till i was 45 i feel down one day out side my house on black ice broke my foot it has had 4 operation and may need an other later in my life then I had metal problems come up again, i wanted to go back to work . my Dr wouldn’t let me i lost all most 20 k a year not working , i have sense tried to go back to work it’s not gonna happen so i do things on line to try to make some extra spending money which isn’t much is about all i can do now .I’m now 60 and i know im one of luckier ones with parents who cared enough to take me in and other people in my life time.trust me if i could hold a job id rather do that even at my age .
What?
I wish it was so easy 4 the rest of us! For 10 years I’ve battled major depression. As I age, the symptoms get only worse. I worked at 1 place for 17 years, after struggling so hard 4 a year JUST 2 be able 2 get out of bed or even leave the house, I had an experience at work which caused a mental breakdown. Now, I try to not leave my house, if I do my anxiety goes thru the roof n I either have a panic attack or start being a prick 2 innocent ppl. I never want company to be at my house hardly because being around others besides my kids makes me feel intruded upon. My life has been a LIVING H***! So many times I just wanted 2 end it! I’d even went 2 the extreme of asking my ex boyfriend 2 kill me! Having mental illness is like being stuck in ur own prison (kinda like the song by Godsmack), I wouldn’t wish this on anybody in the world! I’m glad u got ur SSDI approved. I’m only now applying, so I hope I can as well. But trust me hun, there isn’t nothing east about getting SSDI. Mental or otherwise. U obviously have severe impairments, so u deserve the benefits. Hope all is well.
My mental illness is post trauma stress disorder.
Same here 100% service connected, unemployable and I lost my SSI disability last week and for the attempt to return to work in 2010 I have to repay 54,000$ I only worked that December and don’t remember making more than a couple thousand at most. American dream ,its definitely a bad dream for most veterans I know.
Their is MAEPD program in our state. You can work while on disability. Call your state Department of Human Services and ask to speak to someone who serves disabled people. Also, there should be an Ombudsman for the disabled that should be able to help you. This sounds like someone messed up.
Yep! It sure does! You should never be asked or expected to pay anything back. Call somebody!😨
Thank You. At last a person with information that may be helpful. I am not mad at anyone, and loved my time in the service. I love our Country and would not pick any place better than under the shade of a nice old oak tree to read your response. But our current system will not provide for that moment of peace in the Vets worlds. Many of our Vet Bennifets program have been contracted out to cost saving state programs. Take Social Socuirty (started paying at age 14) worked and paid every year till USAF DAV service conneted 50%
PLAN TALK = What the USAF + GOV says 100 %
when the VA get involed the rating for this item is worth only 50% ……to bad it was my mind —sounds like a bad joke—Top it with this: The SSA will not let me file for my DISIBILITY its past the 10 year cut off date to file. When I sumit the 6″ file of 13 years (now 16) of Brain Scans see white spots /see other test I now score very low TY all under GOV care – contract with fed Help no one thought to call Social Scurity Admin. and tell them about a vet in their paid BAY COUNTY FLORIDA system. I just missed the small print at age 14 saying if you get hurt as a USAF Chaplain Capt. make certain little one -you see the 10 year rule. FOR THE RULE SAID YOU DID NOT APPLY IN TIME!
NO our judges look at things different!
Beg, and dont even try to go back to work, over and over. just to fail 100%) I stand by the VA. still a good system. Just a Few treated wrong out of current rules.
You can not loose your disability going back 6 years for performing work one December years ago. For one thing they can’t go back that far unless there is fraud or similar fault.
Exercise your appeal rights in the adverse Notice of Planned Action you received, complaining on this site gets you nowhere.
Many who have developmental disabilities, as well as many who have psychiatric disabilities, are actually able to work if allowed certain modifications (fewer hours, quieter working environment, etc.). And many can’t. When it comes to any sort of human services, the danger is always in trying to find a “one-size-fits-all” solution.
When was this? I have been on ssi and as a for over ten years. It makes me more crazy to not be allowed to provide for me children with disabilities as well. ThaNk you USA for making life harder.
What this person did was fraud. Another veteran stole $342K from Social Security and the VA.
https://oig.ssa.gov/audits-and-investigations/investigations/aug5-nm-fraud
Apply at the VA.
Get an earnings statement from your former employer, showing how much you earned. If you work while receiving disability benefits, you’re required to regularly submit proof of earnings (to SS office), and a portion of what you earn is cut from the following month’s benefits. If you had not reported earnings while receiving disability benefits, you would be required to pay off a portion of what you received in benefits while working.
What happened to the law allowing disabled people to earn up to $5000 a year? This adds up to a real disincentive to try to find work if someone gets disability for any reason. You lose an arm, leg, suffer spinal chord injuries and years later a miracle gives you a job for a few weeks and for that the person loses benefits and due to the years he has to repay will never get another social security check. How compassionate! Next I suppose the mentally ill will be required to produce evidence of which demons possess them.
Although, the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, we also have special rules that make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid. Social Security calls these rules “work incentives“. A person receiving disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and working cannot exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2016, the SGA limit is $1,130 per month (or $1,820 for blind applicants). In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you are able to work.
Please read our publication “Working While Disabled – How We Can Help” for more information.
My mental disorders are PTSD and depression and anxiety and OCD.on a human being. ..chrissy
Mine too
U can get the earnings statement from the SSA website sweetheart 🙂
Yes, individuals can create a my Social Security account to verify their earnings, get their Social Security Statement, and much more.
Get a SS attorney.
How long did it take you to get approved for ss for PTSD?
How will it effect current members on social security disability insurance check?
How do I find out how I will be affected by new criteria. Currently receive SSDI. I am 58 years old
You won’t. The rule is prospective in nature and, because you are 58, you are not likely to be reviewed to see if your disability has improved. You can relax.
That’s not true , I received a letter from social security 2wks ago that I will be reviewed soon but not now an important 52yrs of age. Also I was reviewed in May 2016 already.
A MEDICAL review not a payment review.
Im 57 got ssi now trying ssdi. Doctors on my. Side. Not work little bit when in 6 yrs good records 5 surgery s plus you thing i get it done ok?
I was 58 when I was told that I was 100% disabled due to a spinal injury. I asked what happens if I find work? Was told not to worry about it and that I could earn as much as I can. They probably knew I wouldn’t be able to earn much. I’m 73 now and slowly remodel houses. I have never been reviewed for anything. Good luck and have the best life you can.
I just stumbled across your statement and want to compliment you on your up-beat nature!
Keep up the positive nature, and continue to pass it-on, so others can be up-lifted by your good words! Congrats!
Thank you for your question Marvy. In general, your benefits will continue as long as you are disabled. However, the law requires that we conduct medical reviews periodically to see if you are still disabled. We notify you when is time to review your case, and we also keep you informed about your benefit status. You also should be aware that you are responsible for letting us know if your health improves or you go back to work.
They cut my benefits off due to failer to comply and i did not even know i was under review
Unfortunately and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot provide information about your situation. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation and answer your questions about this matter. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.
Don’t worry the last time they did a review on me i was 54 i think it was i was told then that was the last review they may do because of my age and they did them every 7 years then can’t say now . I’m now 60 and had no reviews done sense and when i hit 62 in a year and half i might try the work thing again some things change even more at 62.
The new rules are covered in over 230 pages and are designed to assist adjudicators of initial claims. To be taken off of disability you need to have recovered sufficiently so as to be able to return to work. Don’t worry about it.
Yeah but if you return you owe all the disability years back, and if it turns out you were able to work during a brief remission and the problem worsens again you don’t get a check till you:ve paid back the 50k you got prior to remission
That’s not true i have yet had t pay anything back other then a over payment ss made a mistake on i didn’t fight ,i paid it, it wasn’t much and i was back to work so i could but any checks i received before I went back to work i was never told i had repay but i also did everything by law . even went under a work program to cover things when i did go back to work and may be a year after that my check stopped but i was fine my work income was enough that could live ok off of it .
I am not sure how we cannot be concerned about these new rules. It seems every time I turn around they send me papers to have my doctor fill out and I have to talk to a psychiatrist of theirs. The last time I talked to the psychiatrist they had me to meet her at a local community center and it rained really hard that day I mean really hard and she was late. What she had not taken into consideration is that the place had exactly the things that trigger my panic attacks and cause me to become hysterical. Luckily my husband was with me and I felt confidant enough that he would protect me, but when she got there and she saw my state she still insisted we have the meeting, and my husband did tell here that he thought they should look into what is wrong with a person before they tell them where they have to go. I knew I had to stay and I could not leave and go home and that had me so worked up. She did apologize to my husband and within two weeks I got a letter saying they could see that my problem was still bothering me so I was still considered eligible for SSDI payments. I got one of those letters last summer that they were not going to evaluate me. I cannot understand why they send those, they get me all worked up and I am a mess. Just reading this article worries me. I am 59 and hope that soon I get to an age that they will stop this, I do not think I am eligible for Social Security until I am 67 I hope it is not that long. Sorry cannot relax.
These are examples of Anxiety and Panic Attacks are out of the fraudsters playbook. The medical evidence is subjective and the psychiatrist/psychologist write down what you say and takes your word for it. The mental disorder diagnosis is base on what you tell them. Fraudsters can read a pamphlet about the mental disorder and make up a bunch of stories. Fraudsters are good at story telling and making up lies.
The fraudsters would have a better story that her saying they were afraid to leave the house and get a home visit visit for their CE exam by a psychiatrist/psychologist.
Are you going to do what this person suggest and stop doing CDRs? If you do, I can get free Social Security disability money for life and not have to worry like this person mentioned. I am having those panic attacks too, so the SSA should stop giving me CDRs.
Fraudsters? I hear jackbooted goose-stepping coming to exterminate the disabled.
That’s true with the fraud thing. However, some people such as myself has been seeing a psychiatrist LONG b4 SSDI was even thought about. So, if we REALLY didn’t need the help, we would have never reached out 2 begin with. Since October, I’ve been self paying 4 my visits and my meds. My visit: $100 a pop, meds: $500 a pop!
The medical evidence is subjective and base on what the claimants states. The DSM-5 is a joke. The WHODAS 2.0 tell the claimants to circle what they think their limitations are (none, mild, moderate, severe, extreme). It is no longer up to the psychiatrist/psychologist to determinethe claimaint’s limitations like in the DSM-IV with the GAF scores.
Since the claimants circle their on limitations and restrictions in the DSM-V, it is not up to the professional’s to do the Whodas 2.0. The Commissioner reserved the rights to determine the claimaint’s RFC.
@Tony: I’m curious as what it is you believe makes you more knowledgeable about mental illness, the DSM-V, psychiatry, etc than highly educated, experienced mental health professionals whose expertise draws from 200 years of scientific studies, testing, and work focused solely on the very real disorders of the brain and mind? On what official knowledge, evidence, or authority – other than your own cruel and ignorant opinions – are you basing your
false assertions about how these decisions are made? What real qualifications do you have that make you think you know more about psychology and psychiatry and mental illness than these thousands of trained, experienced professionals?
The answer is NONE. For some reason you think mental illness is fake. You sound like one of those who hate disabled people because you think they’re “getting something for nothing” and you’re not.
Man, you are a perfect example of someone who didn’t make it in life – because they don’t want to exert the effort or do the work successful people do – so instead of taking charge of your situation you blame everyone and anyone else for your miserable existence. And people like you always seem to zero in on a vulnerable or disadvantaged group to unload their hatred and disappointment in themselves on because it’s easier. You’re even too lazy to find something legitimate to gripe about. Its the same laziness that caused your failure in life. You, sir, are a real piece of work.You are in desperate need of intensive therapy badly, and soon.
Thank you Marc for your comment. I feel the vary same way.
Great comment! Perhaps if this person was trapped inside their mind and was so depressed everyday n just wanted 2 die, maybe they would then understand.
Don’t you know the SSA is trying to reduce the number of people on SSDI. The SSA has already stopped it’s growth.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/STATS/dibStat.html
The SSA is trying to reduce the number of people with mental disorders with this final rule.
All they are going to do is weed out the people with less severe mental disorder, but the fraudsters will still continue to be approved.
The psychiatrist/psychologist and the DSM-V works in favor of the fraudsters.
If the SSA doesn’t stop the WHODAS 2.0 in it’s track, then courts might give it some weight like they did the GAF scores. The GAF scores were done by the psychiatrist/psychologist, but the WHODAS 2.0 which replaced the GAF score in the DSM-V is done by the claimants.
The fraudsters already are able to circle and check all the boxes on the Adult Function Report.
Fraudsters like the people who ran Criminal Coffee checked of all the boxes that they had difficultis sitting, standing, reaching, concentrating,getting along with people, etc.
Now the fraudsters are able to do the same thing with the WHODAS 2.0 and get approved.
Here is an example of my WHODAS 2.0. I said that I was severe or extreme in almost all categories. The point scale (1)none,(2)mild, (3)moderate, (4)severe, (5) extreme. There are 36 items. I got a raw score of 149/180. My average score is 4/5 which is severe.
The WHODAS 2.0 is a joke. The psychologist who administered 2 exams told me that my condition worsened since the last time I saw him because I answered severe and extreme to most of the question. This is what happened to me with the WHODAS 2.0.
Hi Chris. In general, your benefits will continue as long as you are disabled. However, the law requires that we conduct medical reviews periodically to see if you are still disabled. We will notify you when is time to review your case, and we will continue to keep you informed about your benefit status. You also should be aware that you are responsible for letting us know if your health improves or you go back to work. We hope this helps.
My wife has been diagnosed with dimentia and takes mess for it. She lost her drivers license. Does she qualify for any benefits. ?
Yes, and she will need a doctor’s statement confirming the disability.
Hi Arlen. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. However, if a person thinks that he or she meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability benefits as soon as possible after they become disabled. For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. Thanks.
My daughter has a diagnosis of Schizo-affective disorder/ bi-polar type. She has been unable to work to support herself for the past five years, from age 28-33. She has been in and out of hospitals, off and on medication, some of which helped and some of which actually harmed her. Although she is capable of doing work, she is not capable of engaging in gainful employment by which she could support herself. She does need assistance, especially now that we, as her parents are of retirement age, but continuing to work to help her. She is in a court appointed supervised out-patient psychiatric program which has been helpful to a certain extent, but she still struggles in her ability to function in all aspects of society, including a work environment. Thank you.
Where do we stand on children with extreme ADHD & ODD? How do we help our schools to understand that sometimes our children can NOT learn in the same ways as others? My grandson can’t memorize multiplication tables. He can read well, but can not transfer what he reads into written form. He is now in 5th grade, but should not be there. “No Child Left Behind,” keeps the school from holding him back.
How does a child get diagnosed with ADHD/ADD? I think my son has the same difficulties. It’s very hard to find a doctor for him. His pediatrician gave me a Rx for mood stabilizer. He seems to be doing good at first but falling asleep in class. This summer I didn’t give him his mood stabilizer, and I haven’t given it to him since he started this school year, but I noticed that his attention in school is affecting his school work. He talks to the air. Nothing is there, but it looks like he’s having a conversation with someone who isn’t there at all. He’s smart, but as your son, its difficult for him to transfer in writing. Thank you
Many of the prescription medications that treat Epilepsy have many side effects. Both the Pharmaceutical Companies and the FDA should do some clinical and medical research and not prescribe any medication that causes damage to the liver, kidneys or the heart. Everyone knows that any and all human beings need these three organs to survive. So, perhaps the Social Security Administration will take interest in this issue when it comes to the number of people in the U.S. that use these drugs for mental conditions.
Don’t you know the psychiatrist/psychologist and FDA Officials are paid off by the pharmaceutical companies.
The epilepsy drug to treat mental illness is poison. The clinical and medical research is a bunch of BS. I am prescribed the epilepsy drug, but I throw it in the garbage. I have been prescribed the highest dosage of epilepsy medication for mental illness and telling the psychiatrist that there is no side effect with the medication. I will probably be part of the group of people on the clinical trail. When the FDA approves that drug for mental illness, I fell sorry for the fool that has to take it.
This psychiatrist sound the same as the thousands of other psychiatrist scamming Social Security by providing medical records and prescriptions for the fraudsters. The psychiatrists get paid a lot of money for prescribing drug. It is easy to get free Social Security disability money when the psychiatrists diagnosis them with multiple mental disorders in order to prescribe them multiple medications.
https://oig.ssa.gov/audits-and-investigations/investigations/july22-mendez-villamil-sentence
Tony, you need to get a job and stop criticizing those with true disabilities.
These new rules will make it easier for people to get free Social Security disability money. They are similar to the 1984 rules which relaxes the rules for mental disorders and facilitating fraud.
Cloward-Piven agenda pushed by Dems to overwhelm the system with debt to collapse the US economy! Saul Alinsky was mentor to Hillary Clinton, and George Soros loves it!!
After chemo and radiation treatment, I have difficulty taking tests as my memory cannot focus and remember material to read and response. In my last job, I couldn’t concentrate on multiple tasks at one time and I was let go. My SS benefit is not enough and need to work part time to make ends meet. When applying to government agencies, they do ask for doctors certificate for special accommodation. It is very difficult to go to all doctors to ask for special accommodation. I have vision issue and when the testing material was on right side of computer screen and I had to type it left side, due to bifocal lenses I had hard time reading the material right side and failed the test, and did not qualify.
Follow the money.
Look at your congressmen that allow this to happen due to the lobbiests
We do not live in a democracy.
You are correct. We live in a Republic. We always have. The government simply wants us to believe that we have more rights and liberties than we actually have. I’m shocked that a public school taught me that The United States of America is a Republic. Anyway, I have Multiple Sclerosis, as well as a psychiatric diagnosis. SSDI doesn’t pay much, so I live below the poverty line. Yay America! (Hope you realized that was sarcasm.).
Agreed! It’s a kleptocratic plutocracy. The disability fund was set to never go broke until Reagan ‘saved” it..
Is this another form of Rip-off from our So So Security system, I smell a rat….
Pray I am wrong, because they will be messing with
my PTSD and my SSI check…I am hardly making a go of it now……
my disorder was from my child hood,from being apousaud
as a child.
Well in my case I’ve already been denied help from the state despite having bi polar disorder,PTSD,severe anxiety and depression etc…so I wonder maybe now I can get some help seeing how the state is supposedly gotten more sensitive to this type of stuff…Maybe…
Is it really the state? Cause with my disability claim I was up against the Federal Government. Social Security Disability is a Federal program. Are you applying for something different provided by the state you live in?
Have her file to find out.
A MEDICAL review not a payment review.
What is the difference When it comes to getting SSDI? It is not as if I am getting any health care from them, I pay for my own health insurance and it keeps going up of course, but the SSDI does not stay in step.
If you are getting SSI payments, they automatically deduct for Medicare “health insurance. ” You are probably paying for supplemental insurance.
The State Disability Determination Services is contracted to make the decisions for the Federal Government.
My friend is BiPolar, diagnosed by 3 doctors and a state appointed doctor. All advised he cannot hold a job. After 3 years of waiting for an SSI hearing, the judge decided that she and her occupational therapist, based on jobs around the country (not locally), knew better than the doctors. She stated such in her references in her 16 page negative determination letter. She even contradicted herself in many pages. He filed for an appeal but it has been nearly a year and still no answer to when that appeal may happen. He even has an attorney who seems mistified. It appears the judge is punishing him for working so hard not to self medicate and my efforts to give him a safe room to live in. He would get more help from the state if he stayed a homeless heroine addict!
What in the heck are you people babbling about?
read the long pdf ? 280 + pages
I don’t see me getting any help though with that or my problems I am having from spina bifida…they don’t seem to care at all…I’ve been tryna get help for 5 years now and still nothing…it’s time for a change…help those who need HELP!!!! #HAVEAHEART
Wait… You were denied SSDI?!
There are medical and NON medical requirements, maybe you weren’t insured.
follow the money
I suffer from severe depression. Most of it is due to chronic back pain and arthritic pain. I have difficulty concentrating and bad memory “gaps”. I was denied disability and am relying on Medicaid and very generous family members. I’m going for a neuro psych test soon and can ask for an IQ test. Ironically some mental illnesses like schitsophrenia are more likely to occur with high IQs. So this criteria worries me as IQ tests are subject to the person and society. Even our smartest might fail an Ivory Coast or Tibetan IQ test.
That’s true about Schizophrenia and the high IQ’s. Watch the movie “A Beautiful Mind”. It’s a true story, and the perfect example.
I suffer from treatment resistant depression,and bipolar
.I have been on medication and under psychiatric treatment since I was 12.I have been raped 4 times while in institutions.They say that I haven’t worked enough in my life to get disability.I just turned 60.
Oh Linda Z… I am so very sorry about your situation. My heart breaks for you. Unfortunately that’s all I have to offer! No solutions, only empathy and sympathy. Since you didn’t make enough for Social Security Disability, do.you know if you qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income)? You probably do know, but I just want to make sure.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care 💕
I was under the impression that for physical issues (like my Multiple Sclerosis) you had to have worked a certain amount to be eligible. However, I was also under the impression that psychiatric problems were the exception to that rule. I’m almost certain than an attorney told me that… Has it changed in the last several years?
Get a better attorney.
Hi Linda! The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Please read our publication about the SSI program for more information, including how to apply. Also, you may find our Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) useful.
The Mental Disorders Rule Update will become instrumental in classification of disorder types which will facilitate a better understanding of functional levels for qualification purposes and may not be the answer in all cases.
I am from the government and, we are here to help you!
liar-liar-pants on fire
doug,
please show the SPECIFIC DIRECT LINK to where all this new updated criteria/text is?
i clicked on HERE; it didn’t say anything more than the email we received.
i went to 3-4 more links; nothing there showing what the new info is in DETAIL.
show the DETAILED link of info please….thanks!
also SHORTER paragraphs for those of us with neuro cognitive reading deficits due to our various illnesses affecting the brain…thanks.
Trust me, you don’t want to read hundreds of pages of gobbledygook.
No. We want to read every page of that gobbledegook.
I would like them to print it and send it to me by mail (USPS)
You can learn more about the revised criteria at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current.
I have a form of Autism, Depression, Learning Disability and I do not remember what else I was diagnosed with by a Mental Hospital. My Learning Disability was diagnosed when I was a kid. I am 53 now. I did spend time in a Mental Hospital as I was thinking of committing suicide. Thats were I got my diagnoses of Autism, Depression and I do not remember what else if anything. I have been getting SSDI since 2010. Will this change to the law affect me?
Not very likely!
hi Mike. In general, your benefits will continue as long as you are disabled. However, the law requires that we conduct medical reviews periodically to see if you are still disabled. We will notify you when is time to review your case, and we will continue to keep you informed about your benefit status. Thanks.
I have a question for you sir. I am not getting either SSDI or SSI at the moment. I am waiting for my lawyer to submit my application which is taking 4ever! Anyway, I’ve battled depression for over 10 years. Lately, going to my 2nd psychiatrist, I’ve learned I have depression, bipolar, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and adult ADD. In 10 years, I have seen 2 psychiatrists, a psychologist, a hospital, and 4 family doctors seeking help. I am 39 years old now. One thing I’ve learned unfortunately, is that my condition worsens as I get older. Seems I have more and more symptoms. Mental illness runs on my mom n dad’s side of the family so this could be why. I’m not sure. Anyway, when people with mental disorders has a review, how does that work? Mental illnesses is a permanent thing. Some , such as myself, worsen as the years pass. Even on medication it just seems to take the edge off. So, what exactly is a review looking 4 as NOT having that disability anymore? Being it’s a permanent condition, I don’t understand. Thanks!
Hi Sharon. You may find our listing of impairments useful. The Social Security Act sets out a strict definition for disability. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. However, if a person thinks that he or she meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability benefits as soon as when they become disabled. To learn more about the process we use to decide if you are disabled under our rules, visit our Disability Planner: How We Decide If You Are Disabled. Thanks!
I’ve struggled with my examiner since December 2015.
1- I’ve lived with Agoraphobia and Social Phobia with Anxiety and Panic attacks for over 36 years, started when I was 11 years old and been on medication for it my entire life.
2- I separated ALL of my Lumbar spine and had 3 cs leaks and a hemorrhage on my spinal cord. I went to pain management for nerve blocks, that did not have any effect in taking away pain. I had Radiculopathy and learned how to move left leg even though numbness with spasms if pain. Was referred to the best Neurosurgeon in the area and after 2 surgeries, 3 rods, 6 spacers with cadaver bone and 29 screws and a Fusion of spine too, the Surgeon
3- PARALYZED ME FROM WAIST DOWN! I HAVE NO BLADDER OR BOWEL CONTROL AND LEFT LEG IS COMPLETELY NUMB!
I WENT TO DOCTOR THAT SOCIAL SECURITY REQUIRED TO DETERMINE IF DISABLED. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes and he said YES, no doubt in his mind and I can never work again.
Examiner is a joke. Dr says yes, but he says no. WTH! When I have a moment of pain, it’s the feeling of bone snapping and bone coming out of ankle and heal.
4-Now examiner wants to wait until another surgery! First waited from August 2015 until surgery, April 20th, 2016. It’s been 5 months and he wants to see if in 7 months, if another surgery will help.
5-Now he told my Attorney that I have memory trouble. I don’t. Now I need to see another dr.
I need help cause I can’t survive with this disability much longer. About ready to put myself out of misery.
I think people would like to have a clear explanation of how this applies to people with significant psychiatric disabilities, such as severe social anxiety — those who are unlikely to be able to provide for themselves. During the Clinton administration, many with limiting psychiatric disabilities were required to “find jobs,” and the results were not good.
“Late night advice” to those who have questions and concerns regarding Social Security Disability benefits:
1. This article from Social Security is specific for Mental Health Disorders in accordance to the DSM-V which is the latest updated version. Social Security will follow this manual with regard to qualifying claims for Social Security Disability benefits.
2. Please read how one qualifies for Social Security Income (“SSI”) benefits. The income benefits are paid based on a disabled child’s/adult’s parent’s Social Security contributions and their employer’s matching contributions to Social Security (this is a child or an adult who did not work but has a disability and cannot work according to the Social Security Administration). The Dollar Amount is based on the income, years of work, and Social Security contributions. There is a definitive calculator for the Social Security Income benefit. After a certain length of time, this child’s/adult’s SSI changes to Social Security Disability Income (“SSDI”) and also qualifies for Medicare which is deducted from the SSDI’s benefit.
3. An individual who qualifies for Social Security Disability Income by the Social Security Administration receives benefits from their Social Security contributions during their entire working life and their matching employers’ contributions. The calculation is the same one used as in the preceding paragraph. After a certain amount of months, the individual qualifies to receive Medicare which usually is deducted from their SSDI. Once this individual reaches retirement age, the individual’s SSDI is no longer considered Disability Income. It is Social Security Retirement and can be taxed depending on which U.S. state this individual resides in.
4. An individual doesn’t qualify for Social Security Income or Social Security Disability Income benefits just because an individual thinks they are entitled to money nor are they entitled to a certain amount of money due to their condition(s) because of their living situations or a variety of circumstances. Social Security is based on an employees’ contributions while they are working and their employers’ matching contributions into the Social Security Administration.
**REMEMBER THIS: Social Security is not a Charity Organization.
5. There are two (2) Divisions of Social Security: Disability and Retirement. There is more to the Social Security Administration than what I have typed above. The best way to find your answers is to either call the Social Security Administration, go online through the Internet to find your answers or go to your local Social Security Administration office with your questions.
@Marge: thank you for your clear and concise explanation of SSI/SSDI. These blog comments are always just nasty tirades from losers who think the world owes them something. They’re jealous of anything anyone else has, but they’re too lazy to go out and work to get it for themselves. They prefer to sit and hurl venom at the disabled, minorities, and any other marginalized group.
Hi Marge- your explanation regarding SSI (Supplemental Security Income/not Social Security Income) and SSDI is inaccurate and very convoluted. Please visit http://www.ssa.gov for an accurate description of both programs or call (800) 772-1213 (SSA National 800#)
Regards,
Diana H.
It is horrible that people with mental disorders are not treated the same as people with body disorders. The document is super long, almost 300 pages. It is hard to understand for people who are mentally ill. So we cannot understand it or advocate for themselves. Also to get to the doc, I had to click 2 links and scroll to the bottom middle of a page to get to the document. It would have been better to provide a direct link. From reading the comments above I can see that this blog post has created a lot of fear and not given any answers at all. TBH this blog post is a lot like the poorly written click bait postings on Facebook that people argue over without understanding the issue.
These final rules are going to facilitate more fraud. People are going to come out of the woodwork applying for mental disorder because of their IQ like this man.
https://oig.ssa.gov/newsroom/blog/2012/10/cdi-preventing-social-security-disability-fraud
I got a college degree and the psychologist who did my CE exam said my IQ was low. If I didn’t mention that I had a college degree, maybe I could have gotten the free Social Security disability based on intellectual disability.
It isn’t hard failing test. It is hard proving someone is failing the test on purpose. You have to be consistent at failing the test.
People are able to work until they are 50 years old and bring up soon childhood incident or mental disorder to try to collect disability.
You got to give it too these people for trying to scam disability. They claim they got rape by their parents or were abuse when they were a child and can’t work now after the incident occurred 40 years ago. They got married, had children, raised their children’s, and now cannot work anymore because of the psychological trauma.
The fraudsters are good at story telling and making up lies to get compassion from the DDS adjudicator and ALJ.
The New York police and firemen blaming their mental illness on 9/11. You got some people trying to scam disability blaming their divorce on domestic violence. Fraudsters know how to play the sympathy card.
Medical evidence for mental disorder are subjective based on what the claimants say. They can lie and collect free Social Security disability money.
I think fraud for mental disorders in Social Security is about 50% and at the VA is 80%. It is even easier to get a mental disorder disability in the military. They give people a mental status exam when they are exiting the military and it is easy to come up with a lie to collect 100% of their pay instead of leaving the military with 4 years of service with nothing.
Once the fraudsters reach retirement age, their disability is gone. I don’t see old people at the psychiatrist/psychologist office. That is just a clear indication of the fraud going on. The mental disorder is so severe that they have to constantly visit the psychiatrist/psychologist office, but once they reach the retirement age, the mental disorders are no longer bothering them and they no longer have to see the psychiatrist/psychologist.
You take your inability to know the age of the patients in your own Drs office and confute it with all offices. Some of us still look in our 30s at 65 like my mother did
By that age theu know which meds work, psychotherapy is out siince they aren’t working or likely to benefit, so the Drs just call in the meds rather than require them to come in for pointless appointment’s. Yeah, let:s have 68 year old people on heavy psych meds driving 25-50 miles to see the 1 shrink in the state who takes Medicares nonexistent payment just to keep Trump’s Chumps happy
Did it ever occur to you they get institutionalized by then as age worsens their problems?
I didn’t say all of the people on Social Security disability, just 50% of them.
There are hardly any seniors over 65 in a mental institution. There is a shortage of beds at the mental institutions.
I am talking about fraud. The fraudsters know that they will not get paid Social Security if they are institutionalized. You probably don’t know that you don’t get paid Social Security disability if you are institutionalized for more than 30 days.
There is no demand for institutions because the fraudsters know they will not get paid.
Tony, the 30 day institution rule only applies to people receiving SSI not SSDI.
People who never work a day in their lives can collect SSI when they are 65 or older. Some of the fraudsters collect SSI their whole life.
I suffer from mental suicide depression bipolar disorder and I receive supplemental security income do this mean I ill be able for full disability. I also suffer other disability that most likely end in death.
As always, it all comes down to the almighty dollar!!!!!
Until everything is free(paid for by SOMEONE ELSE), NOT YOU, this circle of begging will continue – on & on & on – ad infinitum!!
We Humans have always had, and always will, a sense of greed that tends to rear-it’s-ugly-head, whenever we feel the need for something FREE!!!!!!!!!
The free Social Security disability money sure is good. I see a psychiatrist regularly now to keep the free Social Security disability money. You got to go along with the Social Security scam of maintaining medical records.
The psychiatrist/psychologist visits are really a joke. They get paid by the pharmaceutical companies. They will diagnosis you with multiple mental disorders in order to prescribe you multiple medication.
When you say the prescription drug doesn’t work, the psychiatrist/psychologist will increase the dosage instead of taking you off the medication. They need to keep you on that specific medication in order for them to get paid.
My paperwork for the CDR to continue getting my free Social Security disability money is in order. I got regular visit to the psychiatrist/psychologist and my prescription medication is at the maximum dosage.
This new rule becomes effective on Monday, the 26th. It is long overdue for the heroes who have been so long struggling. Veteran treatment centers, prisons & courts are not the answer. They are an improvement on the problem. It is time for a solution & this rule is a step in the right direction. We cannot continue to punish veterans and their families for the symptoms of combat injuries. And we cannot continue to ignore the impact of traumatic injury on their families & communities. The answer is not in the problem. It is in the solution. And the solution is to help veteran families fully recovery physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, legally, socially & economically.
This rule gives many veterans presumptive access to new VA services, including better health benefits for the injured service member & their families/survivors. These benefits include injured in line of duty pensions along with survivor pension for spouses & children as well as GI Bill benefits.
Last week, the VA eligibility represent informed me that any active military service — even 1 day — pre-1980 qualifies you as eligible for services provided you have an honorable discharge and a DD-214. The rule goes further and renders anyone injured in the line of duty suffering later from PTSD and other mental disorders, lymphatic illness, gastroenterologic disease, autoimmune disorders, cancers, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other physical disorders eligible for enhanced benefits even if the disorders develop post service. These VA disability benefits are in addition to social security & Medicare. They are not like SSI/SSD. They supplement Medicaid, Medicare, pension benefits and social security. They are not needs-based and will prevent needless bankruptcy, loss of assets & health coverage lapses.
And this is the enhanced pension & disability benefits for real & necessary help with addiction & trauma treatment. For example, family treatment, support and counseling and vocational training would become available. What is so sad is it would have covered so many already gone too soon. These deceased are entitled to burial supplements in addition to the social security burial supplement and their survivors should seek reimbursement for covered out of pocket costs.
There is a whole other available benefit line for presumptive injuries for anyone stationed at Camp LeJeune or who trained or served in proximity to DDT (Agent Orange) or the C-123 aircraft from which it was sprayed. The LeJeune water WAS contaminated and the taking of responsibility by government is the type of change Americans have been seeking. Those of us familiar with environmental trauma exposure suspected the truth & feared the worst, feeling abandoned and without hope. Validation & help instead of denial, bureaucratic obstruction & partisan finger-pointing is such a positive development, in my opinion.
It is something I have not seen often enough in 20 years of fighting for the rights of working families, vulnerable citizens and innocent children.
I am unable to communicate the importance of this to those who suffer the dual hell of addiction & traumatic injury. Substances are but a symptom. This rule addresses the root cause by making medical, financial, educational & social help available to trauma survivors.
We must share this critical information by letting those who need help know it is available. And we must keep calm and fight together for permanent changes to make environmental protections available to all that will halt and reverse the damage. We cannot heal by hiding or by hating. Climate change is real. Traumatic injury is real. With death, damage & destruction reaching far beyond veterans. Until we end domestic violence, stop sexual abuse and human trafficking, obliterate child abuse and neglect and end poverty in our own country, we are all victims. And as Americans we are nobody’s victims.
Veterans and their families can lead the way by seeking these benefits and bravely facing trauma. Getting stuck ior giving in is not an option. Our enemies judge us by the strength of our most vulnerable. Our veteran heroes can bravely lead the way in the next frontier of recovery our nation and families so desperately need. Seek treatment for trauma. Heal. Together, we can save each other and our children. We can do for each other what no political party or partisan can do for us. We can lead America out of addiction, trauma, violence and abuse. One hero at a time, one family at a time, one child at a time.
For those of us who have received the gift of a second chance through effective trauma treatment, let’s do what we know works. Help each other with a sense of shared purpose. With faith, hope & love for those who do not yet hold them for themselves.
We can recover. With & through love, connection, forgiveness & gratitude. And the greatest of these is … Love.
God Bless America!
I Know a relative who gets 100% military disability. He takes his kids everywhere having fun. He got an RV with the free money. The VA even gave him a sex change operation for free.(and we paid for it). Now he/she is back to being a man. He takes more vacations than Obama. And gets SSI as well. I sure wish I had pulled off something like that because I’m 73 and still working for my money.
Government waste & fraud enables Cloward-Piven agenda pushed by Dems to overwhelm the system with debt to collapse the US economy! Saul Alinsky was mentor to Hillary Clinton, and George Soros loves it!!
Information on how to scam Social Security disability is all over the Internet. People are describing all the questions on the mental CE exam.
They tell each other what they did to get approved. You won’t get approved if you are able to take care of yourself. For the Adults function report, they say they don’t take baths, unable to groom their hair, don’t get along with authority figures, don’t attended any social activities including church, don’t do any work around the house, unable to manage money and balance a checkbook, don’t take care of any pets, unable to adapt to changes in routine, etc.
It is just easy picking for the fraudsters. The free Social Security disability money is very easy to get.
Tony, seriously you need to stop. Im on ssi and ssd. Im bipolar, anxiety, social anxiety, ocd, panic disorder and depression. Ive been going down hill for 15 years. My daughter is 14 and she gets ssi because of ptsd and bipolar also. We arent liars or scammers. You are ridiculous. You have no idea what it feels like to walk a day in our shoes or head. This has me so scared because if we lose our money we are homeless and i cant work. I have literally lost control of my bodily functions from just being in a store. So please shut up. You may be a liar and a fraud but some of us arent. And these doctors dont know us either.
The B criteria for the mental disorder are social functioning or the new changes interact with others.
My rating score would be extreme.
Social Security has learned from their past mistake. Changes to the mental disorders has always increased the roll in the near future. It will take a little time for them to adjust to the new rules but the application and approvals will come pouring in.
https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/chartbooks/disability_trends/sect04.html
Attorneys and representatives will just change what they need from their clients in the Medical Source Statement (MMS) and Residual Function Capacity(RFC). This is how the attorneys and representatives scam Social Security. Their limitations are not mention before their applications. The DDS denied them based on their limitations.
Now that they have the MMS and RFC, the attorneys and the corrupt ALJs have the necessary information to approve the fraudsters.
Their limitations wasn’t there until after the DDS denial, but the onset date that the corrupt ALJs approved is more than a year before the DDS denial.
Some attorneys even goes to extreme and start back dating medical records like the one in West Virginia.
To secure today and tomorrow future for millions of beneficiaries with mental disorders, the SSA needs to reduce the fraud. I just don’t see it happening.
So, the Socialist Security system CAN change “rules” when it is convenient to them. Then why can’t they change the “adult disabled child” marriage rule that openly discriminates against disabled people marrying able bodied persons? shouldn’t adult disabled children have the ability to marry whomever they wish instead of socialist security, forcing them to only marry other disabled people? All this at the threat of loosing any and all benefits because they got married, NOW THAT IS DISCRIMINATION!
I am 45 years old, a mother of three older children and physically disabled ( I was born with cerebral palsy ). I’ve never collected one red cent of money from the Socialist Security System, even though I have applied several times and they find me disabled.
Technically, I am an “adult disabled child” (please look this up, it is NOT SSI or SSDI) but have never been able to secure any benefits whatsoever from the Socialist Security system, even under that program because I got married to an “Able bodied person”. The Socialist Security system is too busy paying benefits to some people who scam the system and worrying about adult disabled children (who they pay benefits to off of a parents record) marrying an able bodied person. This gives them the justification to cut off benefits to the adult disabled child because the husband (in theory) can now support the disabled person. This theory works great, if your husband is rich and you have no need for money but what it actually does, is to force two adults (one disabled one able bodied person) to live off of one income. In the real world, the socialist security system is forcing adult disabled children to only marry other disabled persons (and NO able bodied persons) at the threat of loosing any and all benefits that they are entitled to.
If you are a physically disabled person (an adult disabled child) and you happen to marry an “able bodied person” you will be loosing out on a lifetime of benefits, all because of a one word “rule” that prohibits you from marrying an “able bodied person”. Best of all, they never tell you about their “Rule” so that they can justify cutting off any benefits that you may be due.
Because you are physically disabled (adult disabled child) and you choose not to marry another adult disabled child or disabled person drawing off socialist security, you WILL LOOSE ANY AND ALL BENEFITS FOR LIFE. This means that the SOCIALIST SECURITY system is TELLING YOU WHO YOU ARE ALLOWED TO MARRY and who you are
NOT ALLOWED TO MARRY! It is a discriminatory act “rule” and should be ILLEGAL!
Even though I am permanently and totally disabled, if I marry an “able bodied person”, somehow that marriage makes everything ok and I am no longer considered disabled (in the eyes of the socialist security system). Magically (because I married an able bodied person), the pixie fairies come down and cure my disability, because now I can just go out and find gainful employment, no one will discriminate against my physical disability and everything will be grand, right? Somehow magically, marrying an able bodied person makes my physical disablility dissappear and now I am cured, right? WRONG!
The issue is a special “Rule” that the Socialist Security System uses to discriminate against “certain” people. If you are a “physically disabled person” (AKA-certain people) and happen to marry an able bodied person, then the SOCIALIST SECURITY system will use special “Rules” to legally discriminate against you and deny you benefits, even if you appeal online.
The SOCIALIST SECURITY system has caused me a lot of economic hardship all because I married an able bodied person. The SOCIALIST SECURITY system thinks someone who is physically disabled (permanently and totally disabled) marries an “able bodied person”, that somehow magically they are cured of their physical disability and two people can survive off the able bodied persons income. WOW, talk about a bunch of bureaucratic idiotic thinking, that somehow this would not cause a financial hardship….. amazing.
The rules that the Social Security Administration uses to legally discriminate against persons who are “Adult Disabled Children” who happen to marry an able bodied person, are discriminatory. This is loosely referred to as the “marriage penalty” but I call it exactly what it is, a legal form of discrimination.
I firmly believe this rule, is an act of bias, prejudice and discrimination against people who (by no fault of their own) are born disabled and happen to marry an able bodied person
Please write your Congressional Representative and tell them to end this modern day form of Legal Discrimination. In this day of fairness and equality, there are still some people suffering from an outdated and oppressive bureaucratic rule.
(PS. notice how the only thing any of these SOCIALIST SECURITY workers ever say are quotes of the rules or processes, like a worker drone. They are unable to address any topics that fall outside of their rule books). Typical bureaucracy and bureaucratic responses, like trying to argue over lost change with a vending machine!
Timely commentary , I was fascinated by the specifics , Does someone know where I might be able to grab a sample SSA-3881-BK version to edit ?
I spent a whole year in a psychiatric hospital, with a serious suicide attempt. It took a while for me to get my SSSI benefits. I have had quite a few jobs and got my ssi cut, my food stamps got cut, and my housing got cut by a hundred dollars. I earned. A lot more money even though. I think if and when I get a job this time, I should give my adult protective payee my paychecks and let her budget them. Therefore I won’t have to worry about money problems. I tried the online schooling thing but could not cut the grade and have had many of credit cards, and got into trouble with them. I could not pay them back, and had to write them cease a desist letters! What a big hassle all that was! I am so glad to be out of debt and free and clear of everything. I would like to get another job and earn a little bit of money, but do not want to get caught up in any more scams and loan sharks ever again!!!!!!!!!
I have hit 3 major emotional bottoms in my life over my 52 years. Trauma and abuse I experienced in childhood at home and at school I was unconsciously recreating at work since 2004. I tried to become self-employed as a Certified Holistic Health Counselor in order to reclaim my dignity and self respect. After 6 six years of trying that career which almost brought me to the brink of divorce and financial ruin I went back to administrative work. I abandoned that kind of work I am born to do after being called a detriment by my boss when I chose not to commit fraud and then was fired for being insubordinate. As an administrative assistant I became a workaholic trying to prove I was a good worker. Working 40 hours plus, my mental and physical health declined quickly. I was terminated even though I produced highly favorable results for them and was promised a raise. I was told the environment was not suited for me emotionally. I was unemployed for 2 years. The only job I could get was part-time work and even that was extremely stressful. For 3 years I have been working 30 hours a week. That is all I can truly handle because of participation in four 12 Step recovery programs; one for food, work, money, & trauma and abuse in childhood. This job provided a low pressure environment for the first year and a half. After 3 years, the stress from increased expectations and dealing with dishonest people without boundaries that are putting me in the middle of their dysfunction has me losing sleep. When anxiety and depression hit, adrenaline rushes causes migraines that land me in bed for a week. My mind disassociates and I can’t remember what I am going to say or do or what I am doing. That causes more stress at home for everyone when I don’t remember to turn the stove off. At work I feel stress because I am expected to perform at full capacity and I can’t at times.
I cannot predict what is going to happen in a day and how my body and mind are going to react.
Would someone with this degree of emotional challenges qualify for SSI benefits? I am not seeking a free ride. I don’t need that because I am capable of doing something. I would just need a supplement to bring my salary up to an administrative assistant who works 40 hours a week while working 30.