Psychological and Personality Tests Can Help You Get Social Security Disability Payments

As a longtime member of the workforce, you’ve seen plenty of employees take days off for backaches, illnesses, and even everyday stress. But now your own vacation days are running out—and your boss isn’t exactly sympathetic because you can’t give him a good reason why you can’t come to work. If you have to take a leave of absence for mental health reasons, can you get Social Security benefits to pay your bills?

Psychological Testing Can Help Get Your Social Security Disability Application Approved

Unfortunately, proving that you have a mental condition is much more difficult than getting benefits for a physical illness or injury. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes many different psychological tests that can help your claim for disability benefits, such as:

A Mental Evaluation Performed by a Doctor

The first test that can prove a mental disability is a mental status examination. This clinical interview is very similar to a physical examination: The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, evaluate your behavior, and give his recommendation. The doctor conducting the examination will give a description of your appearance, speech, and mood throughout the session. In addition, he will evaluate your thought process and content (including the presence of hallucinations or delusions), judgment, and memory and concentration abilities. He should also take note of any history of mental illness in your family.

Standardized Psychological Tests

There are many kinds of standardized tests that can be used to evaluate a person’s mental condition. In these tests, a state-certified professional will ask you questions and have you perform a list of tasks. The person administering the test will score and interpret your condition, using not only the data from your responses but also his own impressions of your behavior.

Neuropsychological Tests

If your condition affects other areas of your body, you may benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation. This can help show how your sensation, coordination, perception, and motor speed are affected by your illness. It can also show how problems with attention, concentration, or inappropriate social behavior affect your everyday life.

Personality Assessments

Personality tests, such as Rorschach and the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), may be used to support other evidence of mental disorders. However, it is unlikely that your application will be approved based on the results of these tests alone.

Our Social Security Lawyers Are Here to Help with Your Claim for Benefits

While psychological testing can provide valuable evidence to support your claim for Social Security benefits, the best indicator of disability is how your condition limits you during the course of your everyday life. To find out how to build a strong disability case that will get your application approved, download and read through our free guide, 5 Deadly Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Social Security Disability Case.

If your disability is preventing you from working and you'd like to file an application for benefits, or if your previous application has been denied and you need to file an appeal, contact our office online or call (402) 933-5405 today for a free, no-obligation evaluation with one of our experienced Omaha social security lawyers.