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We want people to understand mental illness and join in conversations throughout our communities.
Belleville, Ill. (PRWEB) October 01, 2013
Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation, is calling for increased understanding of mental disorders and raising awareness of available resources during Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct. 6-13.
Serious mental illness is a major cause of disability. A 2008 study, Assessing the Economic Costs of Serious Mental Illness, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, estimates mental illness costs Americans $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year. Individuals with mental illness who cannot work due to their condition may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. In addition to providing a monthly income based on a former worker’s past contributions, SSDI guarantees Medicare eligibility 24 months after their cash benefits begin.
“SSDI is an important source of income stability, access to health insurance and job training, through the Ticket to Work program,” said Tai Venuti, Allsup manager of Strategic Alliances. “It plays a key role in providing some of the systemic supports needed for mental health treatment and recovery.”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) stresses that treatment works and recovery is possible. Its NAMI Walks program is the largest and most successful mental health awareness and fundraising event in America, with events held in cities throughout the country. Allsup supports and sponsors the Los Angeles and San Antonio walks, which take place Saturday, Oct. 5, to kick off Mental Illness Awareness Week.
“The U.S. Surgeon General has reported that stigma is a major barrier to people seeking help when they need it,” said Kym Bolado, NAMI San Antonio executive director. “We want people to understand mental illness and join in conversations throughout our communities. The more people know, the better they can help themselves or help their loved ones get the support they need.
“We are always delighted to partner with wonderful companies like Allsup, that understand the importance of helping individuals with a mental illness have access to treatment by gaining their disability benefits,” said Bolado.
NAMI’s HelpLine helps people connect with mental health resources. Cal1 (800) 950-NAMI (6264), Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., EST, or email info(at)nami(dot)org.
The NAMI HelpLine receives 8,000 to 10,000 calls a year related to difficulty people have in getting their Social Security disability benefits. For more information on SSDDI visit Expert.Allsup.com.
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ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. Visit http://www.Allsup.com or connect with Allsup at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.
