disability insurance depression
Is Asperger’s Syndrome enough to quality for disability insurance?
I have a dx of Asperger Syndrome and depression…. but i’ve heard that it is really hard to get on disability. I cannot hold down a job because i can’t seem to get along with people due to my lack of ability to read other people’s intentions. (Asperger’s is a form of high-functioning autism, impairing social skills)
I’m from the US….i’ve heard that it is extremely hard to get SSDI. Sometimes i wonder whether Asperger Syndrome isn’t looked upon by the Social Security admin as a bogus diagnosis…..i have this feeling i will not ever quality. i have no allies in life – i am totally alone.
thanks for any feedback / advice or comments in general about Asperger’s.
p.s. sorry about the typo….meant to write “qualify” not quality
I am on SSI. I have a diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder NOS, Asperger’s, and depressive disorder. Apparently this is a disabling combination and when I applied, I got it my first time. You have two of these and I am sure they will regard that as a disabling combination.
But there is always the chance that you are still turned down. I have heard plenty of stories of people with debilitating physical conditions being turned down 2 and 3 times. But the key is to keep applying.
If you feel that you are not ready to give up the fight look into your local Workforce Center or any employment placement companies. They will help you find a job but will generally want half your first paycheck (not the workforce center). Around here we have the Andrews Center which is basically a place with doctors and therapists and people who will help you in job placement though I am not sure what type of place it is, but you can probably look something similar up in your local phone book under “job training” or something to that effect.
But you may be getting near college age. I would highly recommend going to college and preferably for you it would be nice to be on SSI at the same time so you can have money coming in and go to school full time. It’s what I’m doing now and it has given me a great opportunity to get an education and have a little extra time on my hands too!
But yes this would be preferable to most people. And with a disabling combination of mental illness you are bound to get it your first attempt. But they will have you sent to one of their own doctors and he will diagnose you. His diagnosis may be different than your regular doctor’s so be prepared for all possibilities.