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White House pledges $100M for mental health care

On Behalf of | Dec 13, 2013 | Firm News, Social Security Disability | 0 comments

This week, the White House reportedly commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Newtown, Connecticut shooting at Sandy Hook by meeting with the families of victims and pledging to devote $100 million for mental health programs across the United States. As has been pointed out, though, that amount of money doesn’t go very far in the funding of mental health care, to which states have been devoting much more money over the past year.

Still, as many have pointed out, every little bit helps. The problem is that too many Americans go without receiving treatment for mental illnesses. Things are starting to improve, though. Over the past year, 36 states and the District of Columbia have increased funding for mental health services. Sandy Hook may have something to do with it, but it has been needed for years.

For many people with mental illnesses, receiving adequate treatment just doesn’t happen. In some cases, the reasons for this are financial. Financial challenges for the mentally ill can be ongoing, and lead to instability and further mental health problems and medical issues.

Social Security disability is an option for some people with mental illnesses. SSDI isn’t necessarily easy to qualify for, and those who do qualify often have to wait for some time before receiving approval, but it is worth it for those who are eventually approved.

Those seeking Social Security disability benefits for mental illness do well to work with an experienced attorney. Doing so ensures their claim will receive the best possible hearing. It also comes in handy when if an appeal becomes necessary.

Source: Fox News, “White House’s $100M mental health pledge: Token gesture or real effort at reform?,” Barini Chakraborty, December 12, 2013.

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