Disability

Mental Disorders Rule Update

September 23, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: September 23, 2016

Woman with documents sitting on the deskOn 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.

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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

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  5. Shaunda E.

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  6. Eric

    you should do more for them, I am mentally disabled, and very poverty stricken. I get 754 for the little i did work and than 16 for ssi. People can spend that on rent for housing let alone anything else. Should you provide them with a standard of living??

  7. Dawn W.

    IF A MINOR WHO WILL BE 18 BEFORE ENTITILED TO ESTATE, RETIREMENT AND TRUST FUND MONEY, WHEN THEY COLLECT WILL THIS AFFECT THEIR DISABILITY INCOME?

    • Ray F.

      For a child receiving benefits under the Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) program, income and resources do not affect his or her benefit. These benefits are based on the worker’s (child’s parent) earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. Normally, benefits stop when the child reaches age 18 unless he or she is disabled or he or she is a full-time student at a secondary (or elementary) school at age 18, benefits will continue until the child graduates or until two months after the child becomes age 19, whichever is first.
      For a person receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), any income or resources may affect his or her benefit. This is because the amount of the SSI benefit is based, in part, on the income available to the child.
      Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!

  8. Weight G.

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  9. S j.

    I have abyed by what has been giving to me as a ruling since 2013. Since then. I can’t hold a job. I freak with people. I have bipolar 2. With that comes most unproductive pain. Can’t move for days because of panic. I have been to 13 doctors. Called many people. This is no joke or some ignorant ranting. Oh plus I HAVE PTSD. Married with two of the best girls who should not have to understand Mommy. Just want to say sarcastic thanks. But keep ur bonuses I do hope once for just a week u may feel what lots of us can’t get help for. Specially so our kids might enjoy what they use to have. Bless you.

  10. Sam l.

    I have abyed by what has been giving to me as a ruling since 2013. Since then. I can’t hold a job. I freak with people. I have bipolar 2. With that comes most unproductive pain. Can’t move for days because of panic. I have been to 13 doctors. Called many people. This is no joke or some ignorant ranting. Oh plus I HAVE PTSD. Married with two of the best girls who should not have to understand Mommy. Just want to say sarcastic thanks. But keep ur bonuses I do hope once for just a week u may feel what lots of us can’t get help for. Specially so our kids might enjoy what they use to have. Bless you.

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