The Psychiatrist and the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Programs

As psychiatrists become more active in the care of the chronic mentally ill, they are taking a greater role in relation to the entitlement programs of Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. In a review of the application and appeals processes of the disability determination system, the author focuses on areas in which psychiatrists are likely to be involved, such as identifying patients qualified to receive benefits, providing reports on their own patients for disability determination, and examining other patients as a consultant. Psychiatrists should be knowledgeable about the Social Security entitlement programs, the author believes, and should increase their linkages with the Social Security Administration.