If you’re struggling with your mental health and wondering, “Is it hard to get disability for mental illness?” you’re not alone. Living with a mental illness can be exhausting, and trying to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits on top of that may feel overwhelming.
The truth is, qualifying for disability for mental illness can be more difficult than for physical conditions, especially because mental health symptoms don’t always show up on tests or scans. Still, thousands of people are approved for mental health-related benefits each year.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to strengthen your case and navigate the SSDI application process for mental health conditions with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Mental illness claims are harder to prove because symptoms can’t be confirmed through medical tests, making strong documentation essential.
- Depressive and bipolar disorders are the most commonly approved, accounting for 4.2% of all SSDI claims.
- Consistent treatment and thorough medical evidence greatly improve approval chances.
Claim what you worked for.
In this article about understanding disability for mental illness claims:
What mental illnesses qualify for disability?
There are several mental health and psychological conditions that qualify for disability benefits.
Located in Listing 12.00 of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book, there are 11 sections of qualifying mental health conditions that are eligible for disability consideration:
- Neurocognitive disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
- Depressive, bipolar, and related disorders
- Intellectual disorders, like Down syndrome
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Somatic symptoms and related disorders
- Personality and impulse-control disorders, like borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Neurodevelopmental disorders, like ADHD
- Eating disorders
- Trauma-and-stressor-related disorders, including PTSD
Each section of mental health conditions has its own set of qualifying criteria you must meet to show that your condition is severe enough to be approved for disability benefits.
However, if your condition isn’t listed or you don’t meet the requirements outlined in a section, there is still a chance you could get benefits if you can prove your mental health disorder prevents you from working.
What is the most approved mental illness for disability?
According to the SSA’s 2023 Annual Report, depressive, bipolar, and related mental health disorders account for 4.2% of all disability claims, making them the most commonly approved category of mental health disabilities. However, people receive disability benefits for many types of mental health conditions, as seen below:
Is it hard to get disability for mental illness?
While qualifying for disability benefits due to a mental illness can be challenging, data from the SSA’s 2023 Annual Report shows that mental health conditions remain a leading cause of approved claims. Approximately 18.1% of SSDI beneficiaries, or roughly 107,236 people, received benefits for a mental health disorder.
Mental health symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, making it more challenging for the SSA to evaluate them consistently. This variability also complicates the process of defining what qualifies as a disabling mental illness.
Unlike many physical conditions, mental health disorders usually can’t be confirmed through objective medical tests, the type of evidence the SSA typically relies on when reviewing disability claims.
Qualifying for disability for mental illness
To qualify for disability for a mental illness, you’ll need to provide information about your condition and symptoms, and show that it makes working difficult.
It can be helpful to have a diagnosis for your mental health condition from a therapist, psychologist, or another mental healthcare provider. This can help build a stronger case for your SSDI claim.
You can also help strengthen your disability claim by asking your mental health provider to complete a mental residual functional capacity (MRFC) assessment. The SSA uses this assessment to determine what kind of work a person with a mental illness can still do.
A psychologist or psychiatrist will usually complete it, especially if your claim is denied, partially approved, or if your condition isn’t listed in the Blue Book. The form evaluates areas like memory, focus, social interaction, and the ability to handle stress. Your doctor should then explain how these limitations affect your ability to work, and they should sign the report.
It’s a short form, but it can be one of the most important pieces of evidence in your disability case.
Tips for applying for disability for a mental illness
While it can be harder in some cases to get approved for disability for a mental illness, it’s not impossible. Following a few key tips when applying may improve your chances of being approved.
To qualify for disability benefits for a mental illness, you must show the SSA that your condition keeps you from working.
It may also help to prove you’re receiving ongoing treatment, working with qualified mental health professionals, and making an effort to manage your daily life.
Below, we’ll break down steps you can take to strengthen your SSDI claim.
Get consistent mental health treatment
It might seem obvious, but getting regular, ongoing treatment can be a useful way to prove your mental illness is truly disabling.
Unlike physical conditions, mental health issues can’t be confirmed with tests like MRIs or X-rays. That’s why strong medical records and detailed notes from your doctors are essential to demonstrate the severity of your condition.
At every appointment, be honest and specific. Tell your doctor how your symptoms affect your daily life, if they’ve gotten worse, and what challenges you’ve faced since your last visit.
See the right mental health providers
When applying for disability benefits for a mental health condition, it’s important to get regular care from qualified professionals, especially a therapist or psychiatrist. Their documentation can help the SSA evaluate your condition.
Take your medications and follow prescribed treatments
Following your doctor’s treatment plan, including taking medications if you are prescribed any, shows the SSA you’re doing everything you can to manage your condition. It also helps demonstrate that, even with treatment, your mental illness still limits your ability to work.
If there are gaps in your treatment due to cost, moving households, or other personal reasons, consider explaining this clearly in your application.
Keep a journal of symptoms and daily struggles
Keeping a detailed journal can help you track how your mental health condition affects your daily life. Since symptoms often change from day to day, a journal ensures nothing important gets forgotten.
Be specific about what you’re experiencing
The more specific you are about how your mental health condition affects your daily life, the stronger your case will be. Detailed examples help the SSA and the judge understand the full impact of your condition, and show that your claim is honest and credible.
How Woods & Woods can help
Having a disability shouldn’t mean losing your peace of mind. At Woods & Woods, we help individuals with disabilities connect with legal help. If you’re seeking SSDI benefits, call us today for a free case evaluation.
You worked hard – let us fight for you.
Frequently asked questions
Depressive, bipolar, and related disorders are the most commonly approved mental health conditions for disability benefits. According to the SSA’s 2023 Annual Report, mental disorders overall accounted for about 18.1% of SSDI claims in 2023.
Yes, it can be harder to get disability for mental illness than for physical conditions. Mental health symptoms are harder to measure, so strong medical evidence and ongoing treatment are essential.
Lori Underwood
Lori Underwood received her law degree from Northern Kentucky University. She previously practiced Social Security disability and personal injury law and was a juvenile court attorney.
She has been an attorney at
Woods & Woods since 2014.
