Step 1: Understand the Types of Benefits

Before you begin the application process, it's important to know which type of disability benefits you may be eligible for:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program is for individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years. You must meet the SSA’s definition of disability and demonstrate that your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is a needs-based program for individuals who are disabled, blind, or elderly with limited income and resources. It does not require a work history, but you must meet financial eligibility criteria.

Both programs provide financial assistance to those who cannot work due to a disability, including mental health conditions.

Step 2: Determine if Your Mental Health Condition Qualifies

The SSA recognizes a wide range of mental health disorders that may qualify for disability benefits, including:

• Depression (severe, chronic)
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Personality disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Intellectual disabilities
• Other mood or cognitive disorders

To qualify for SSDI or SSI, your mental health condition must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which is the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (work) due to your condition. The condition must be severe enough to interfere with your ability to perform work-related tasks or activities for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.

The SSA uses its Listing of Impairments to evaluate mental health conditions. If your condition is listed and meets the severity criteria, you may be automatically approved. However, if your condition is not listed, you can still qualify based on how your mental health disorder impacts your ability to work and function in daily life.

Step 3: Gather Medical Evidence

For a successful mental health disability claim, one of the most important factors is medical evidence. You must provide documentation that shows how your mental health condition impacts your ability to work and perform daily activities. Here’s how to gather the necessary evidence:

• Visit your doctor regularly: Consistent visits to a mental health professional (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) create a medical record that can be used to support your claim. Be sure to follow prescribed treatments and attend therapy sessions as recommended.
• Get a diagnosis: A formal diagnosis from your healthcare provider is critical. The SSA will need details about your specific condition, the severity of your symptoms, and how it affects your ability to function.
• Document your symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily activities and work life. This can help demonstrate the severity of your condition.
• Include records from all treating professionals: Provide records from any doctors, therapists, or specialists who are treating your mental health condition. This includes any hospitalizations or inpatient treatment records.
• Get a detailed statement from your doctor: A letter from your treating physician or therapist that describes your condition, treatment plan, and how your symptoms impact your ability to work can be very helpful. The more detailed this letter, the better.

Step 4: Complete the Application for Disability Benefits

Once you have gathered your medical evidence, you can apply for disability benefits. In the case of mental health disability, the application process is the same as for physical disabilities, but there are a few considerations:

• Apply online: The easiest way to apply for SSDI or SSI is online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website at www.ssa.gov. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure you provide complete and accurate information.
• Apply by phone: You can apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and speak with a representative who can guide you through the application process.
• Apply in person: If you prefer, you can apply in person at your local Social Security office. You can use the SSA’s office locator to find the nearest office.

In your application, be sure to detail how your mental health condition affects your ability to work, as well as any other limitations it causes in daily life. Include your medical records, doctors’ statements, and any other relevant documents that can support your claim.

Step 5: Understand the SSA’s Five-Step Evaluation Process

The SSA evaluates all disability claims using a five-step process. Here’s how they evaluate a mental health disability claim:

• Step 1: Are you working?
  If you are working and earning above a certain threshold (in 2025, $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals), the SSA may determine that you are not disabled.
• Step 2: Is your condition severe?
  Your mental health condition must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work tasks.
• Step 3: Does your condition meet a listed impairment?
  If your mental health condition is on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, you may be automatically approved for benefits. If it’s not listed, you may still qualify if you can demonstrate that it severely limits your ability to work.
• Step 4: Can you perform your past work?
  The SSA will evaluate whether you can do any of the work you previously performed. If you cannot, they will move to the next step.
• Step 5: Can you perform any other type of work?
  If you cannot perform your past work, the SSA will determine whether you can perform any other type of work based on your skills, age, education, and experience.

Step 6: Be Prepared for a Possible Denial

It’s common for disability claims to be denied, especially when it comes to mental health conditions. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process involves requesting a reconsideration, followed by a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At the hearing, you can present your case in person, and many claims are approved at this stage.

Step 7: Seek Help if Needed

If you’re unsure about how to apply for mental health disability benefits or if you’ve been denied, it may be helpful to consult with an attorney or advocate who specializes in disability claims. They can help you gather the right evidence, fill out the application correctly, and represent you through the appeals process if needed.