Other people might not see it or understand it, but severe mental illness can force you off of work. When that happens, Social Security Disability benefits can provide monthly checks to help you through a difficult time. Even though it’s one of the most common reasons why people get disability benefits, proving your disability case for mental health problems comes with special challenges. This chart from the Lachman & Gorton Law Office explains how people in Endicott, Binghamton, Elmira, Oneonta, Rochester, or anywhere in the Southern Tier of New York can qualify for benefits with mental illnesses.