Why is Social Security sending me for a mental exam?

Asked by: Mrs. Maybelle Hintz  |  Last update: November 5, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)

Why does SSA want a psychological evaluation? Generally speaking, Social Security will ask for a psychological evaluation if you allege any kind of mental impairment as a factor in your disability claim, whether it's your sole disabling condition or just part of what keeps you from working.

What happens at a mental status exam for disability?

The mental status exam will simply supply the claims examiner or judge with an overview of your current mental state, including observations about demeanor, speech, memory, alertness, ability to concentrate, and ability to adequately interpret simple concepts.

How do I pass the mental exam for Social Security?

Tips on How to Pass the Social Security Mental Exam
  1. Answer all the questions. The disability mental exam questions are designed to give the examiner a clear picture of your mental health. ...
  2. Be specific. ...
  3. Don't answer questions you aren't asked. ...
  4. Be honest. ...
  5. Don't hold back. ...
  6. Do your best on any tests you're given.

How long does it take to get Social Security after mental evaluation?

If you have applied for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and your disability examiner schedules you for a psychological exam performed by a psychologist, it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after the exam to receive a determination from Social Security.

What does it mean when Social Security sends you to a doctor?

Sometimes, the employees there need more information before they can decide if you're disabled under Social Security law. So, they ask you to have a special exam or medical test that we'll pay for. We'll also pay for certain related travel expenses.

Why is SSA sending me for a mental exam??

26 related questions found

Why does SSI want me to see their doctor?

If social security sends you a letter asking you to see a doctor at their expense, it means that the disability examiner thinks there is not enough medical evidence on the disabilities that you are alleging. Most of the time, this is because you are not getting medical treatment on your own.

How soon after my SSDI medical exam will I know their decision?

In most cases, it takes 3 to 5 months to receive a decision. However, how long it takes to collect your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a determination will determine the exact timing. Your application will be forwarded to a state organization that conducts disability determinations.

What test does Social Security use to determine mental health disability?

Mental status exam (MSE).

An MSE is a common exam used to evaluate one's current mental state. The MSE will test memory, language skills, awareness, and mood (such as depression or agitation).

What happens after a mental exam for SSI?

After all the reviews are completed, the SSA will then come to a final decision and determine if you are eligible to receive disability benefits. Subsequently, the SSA will send you a letter to notify you of the decision the state agency made on your case.

What does a mental status exam consist of?

It includes descriptions of the patient's appearance and general behavior, level of consciousness and attentiveness, motor and speech activity, mood and affect, thought and perception, attitude and insight, the reaction evoked in the examiner, and, finally, higher cognitive abilities.

What questions do they ask at a mental exam?

The doctor might ask questions like: What impairments do you have, and how do they affect you? How has their life changed since the onset of their mental illness? What's your ability to interact with others and your relationship with your family, friends, and the community?

What are warning signs of mental illness?

In adults and adolescents, warning signs of mental illness can include the following:
  • Excessive worrying or fear.
  • Feeling excessively sad or low.
  • Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning.
  • Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria.

What should you not say in a disability interview?

5 Things Not to Say in a Disability Interview
  • No one will hire me; I can't find work. ...
  • I am not under medical treatment for my disability. ...
  • I have a history of drug abuse or criminal activity. ...
  • I do household chores and go for walks. ...
  • My pain is severe and unbearable. ...
  • Legal Guidance When SSDI Benefits Are Denied.

How do you know if your disability is going well?

8 Signs Your Disability Claim May Be Approved
  1. Present Sufficient Medical Evidence. ...
  2. Prove You Cannot Work. ...
  3. You Have Earned Enough Work Credits. ...
  4. You Earn Less Than the SGA. ...
  5. You Meet Non-Medical Requirements. ...
  6. You Can't Work For At Least 12 Months. ...
  7. Your Condition Meets A Blue Book Listing. ...
  8. You Hired a Social Security Attorney.

What is the purpose of the mental status exam?

The mental status examination is a useful tool to assist physicians in differentiating between a variety of systemic conditions, as well as neurologic and psychiatric disorders ranging from delirium and dementia to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

How hard is it to get mental disability?

It is very hard to win a claim based on a mental condition without the support of a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist, and without a detailed report from the psychiatrist or psychologist about your mental limitations and how they limit you.

How will I know if I got approved for SSI?

You can check the status of your application online using your personal my Social Security account. If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Is depression considered a disability for Social Security?

If you've been diagnosed with depression and you expect that you won't be able to work for at least a year because of depression, you can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits.

What happens during a mental health evaluation?

Mental evaluation.

You'll answer questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You may be asked about your symptoms in more detail, such as how they affect your day-to-day life, what makes them better or worse, and whether and how you've tried to manage them on your own.

How long does it take to get disability for mental illness?

Typically, it will take three to five months to get a decision on your application. If approved, the SSA will begin paying benefits immediately. Both SSI and SSDI applicants may receive back pay or retroactive benefits based on when the claim was filed and the date established as the onset of your disability.

How long after medical exam will a decision be made?

Once that exam is completed and the report is released, they will finish reviewing your claim and a decision will be made. At the initial stage, it takes roughly 4-6 months to receive a decision.

What happens after function report is sent into SSDI Dept?

They will use the information you provide to help them decide whether or not your disability qualifies under their definitions and standards for disability benefits. They may also ask that your doctor fill out a similar form to help confirm your condition and abilities.

What questions do disability doctors ask?

What Type of Questions Will Be Asked at Your Disability Interview...
  • When did your condition become disabling?
  • What is the contact information for your doctors?
  • What are the dates of the visits to your doctors?
  • What are the names of medications that you are currently taking?
  • What medical tests have you undergone?

What happens after a consultative exam?

Once you've had a consultative examination, the CE physician or psychologist who examined you sends an examination report to the DDS claims examiner. In most cases, the CE report is the last piece of medical evidence the disability examiner needs to make a decision.

What conditions are considered a disability?

The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.