Understand the SSA’s Definition of Disability

To qualify for SSDI with a mental health disorder, you must meet the SSA's definition of disability. This means:

• Your mental health condition must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• Your condition must last (or be expected to last) for at least 12 months or result in death.

The SSA uses a specific process to evaluate whether you meet these criteria, which includes a review of your medical records, treatment history, and the impact your condition has on your ability to work.

Common Mental Health Conditions That Qualify for SSDI

The SSA recognizes a variety of mental health conditions that can potentially qualify for SSDI benefits, including:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

If you suffer from one of these conditions (or another mental health disorder), you may qualify for SSDI, but you’ll need substantial medical evidence to support your claim.

Medical Evidence is Key

The most important part of your SSDI application for a mental health disorder is the medical evidence you provide. This includes:

• Documentation from mental health professionals: Letters, treatment notes, and evaluations from psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists detailing your diagnosis, treatment plan, and limitations.
• Hospital and inpatient records: If you've been hospitalized for your mental health condition, these records can help prove the severity of your disorder.
• Medications: A list of prescribed medications and how they impact your ability to function.
• Work history: Documentation showing how your condition affects your work ability, and whether your disability prevents you from performing daily activities.

Having a strong, comprehensive record is crucial to proving the severity of your condition.

The SSA’s Five-Step Evaluation Process

When applying for SSDI with a mental health disorder, the SSA will evaluate your claim through a five-step process, including:

1. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you’re currently working and earning over the SGA threshold, you may not qualify.
2. Severe Condition: Your mental health condition must be severe enough to limit your ability to work.
3. Listed Impairment: The SSA has a Listing of Impairments that includes certain mental health conditions. If your condition meets the SSA’s criteria, you may automatically qualify.
4. Past Work: The SSA will assess whether you can still perform your previous job with your condition.
5. Other Work: If you can’t do your past work, the SSA will consider whether you can do any other type of work, given your age, education, and skills.

Having medical evidence that demonstrates your limitations in these areas will improve your chances of approval.

Be Prepared for an Appeal

It’s common for Social Security Disability claims for mental health disorders to be denied, even if the condition is severe. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process includes:

• Reconsideration: The SSA will review your claim again, considering any new evidence you provide.
• Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing where you can present your case in person.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision.
• Federal Court: If the Appeals Council rejects your case, you can pursue it in federal court.

A skilled attorney can help guide you through the appeal process and improve your chances of winning your claim.