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January 1, 2024

Getting Benefits with Mental Illness: MDD, BPD, PTSD, Schizo & More

Many individuals who live with mental illness face challenges managing their conditions while maintaining a stable professional life. For others, the limitations of a mental illness are so severe that earning a living at all appears impossible. Individuals in these situations can utilize Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to provide critical financial support in the absence of a job. However, the path to getting benefits is often long and complicated for applicants with mental illnesses.

This blog post will give a basic overview of how to apply for SSDI for a mental illness. We’ll cover common questions about eligibility and the application process, such as: What mental health conditions qualify for disability? We’ll also offer tips for building a strong case for benefits, including how legal guidance can improve your chances of approval.

Who Is Eligible for Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial support to individuals who can no longer work due to a disabling physical or mental health condition. Disability benefits help give individuals without a stable income the resources to cover daily expenses, medical care, and necessities.

To qualify for SSDI, an individual must:

• Suffer from a qualifying disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death;
• Be unable to adjust to a new type of work because of your condition;
• Have worked and paid into Social Security taxes long enough to earn sufficient work credits; and
• Not earn more than the maximum earnings threshold for substantial gainful activity. 

If you meet these basic requirements, the next step is determining whether your mental health condition qualifies under the guidelines of the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What Mental Health Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits?

The SSA recognizes certain mental health conditions in its Listing of Impairments, commonly known as the “Blue Book.” The Blue Book groups mental illnesses into the following categories:

• Neurocognitive disorders—conditions involving memory loss, speech difficulties, judgment impairment, and other dementia-like symptoms;
• Schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders—including schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and delusional disorder;
• Depressive disorders—such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder;
• Intellectual disorder—intellectual disabilities and developmental impairments;
• Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders—including generalized anxiety, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder; 
• Somatic symptom disorders—conditions such as illness anxiety disorder or conversion disorder;
• Personality and impulse-control disorders—such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), schizotypal disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder;
• Autism spectrum disorder—developmental disorders affecting communication and social interaction;
• Neurodevelopmental disorders—ADHD, Tourette syndrome, and other conditions affecting focus, organization, and impulse control;
• Eating disorders—conditions such as anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and bulimia that severely impact health and daily functioning; and
• Trauma- and stressor-related disorders—post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other disorders resulting from severe trauma or chronic stress.

Be aware: substance abuse disorders are not considered qualifying impairments on their own. If you struggle with addiction, you may still qualify for SSDI—but only if your mental health condition would still be disabling without drug or alcohol use.

What Are the Social Security Disability Requirements for Mental Illness?

The Social Security disability requirements for mental illness are strict. The SSA evaluates each condition based on the criteria listed in the Blue Book. If your condition is not explicitly listed or does not meet the exact criteria, you may still qualify by proving that your mental or emotional limitations prevent you from working.

Even if your condition is in the Blue Book, it’s essential to have thorough medical documentation to prove the severity of your illness and its impact on your work. Here is some of the critical information and evidence to include in your application: 

• Diagnostic reports—confirmation of your specific mental health condition by any psychiatrists, psychologists, or other mental health professionals who have diagnosed you;
• Hospitalization records—reports of any visits to the hospital or emergency room related to your mental health condition;
• Pharmacy records—documenting prescriptions related to your condition;
• Treatment history—account of the treatment you received for your condition within the past five years, including therapy sessions, medication, and other methods of managing your symptoms; 
• Functional limitations evidence—documentation of how your condition affects daily activities, work, and social interactions; and
• Medical opinions—detailed reports from your doctors describing the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work.

Since the symptoms of mental health conditions are often subjective and can vary between individuals, it can be more challenging for applicants with psychological or cognitive disabilities to receive approval for benefits than those with physical disabilities. That is why having clear and detailed medical evidence is critical to illustrate how seriously your condition limits your daily life.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting SSDI Approval?

If you are applying for SSDI, mental health conditions require several important steps to strengthen your claim. 

Keep a Journal

Writing a daily journal of your symptoms and how they impact your ability to function can serve as strong evidence for your claim. Document instances of fatigue, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, or episodes of depression, as well as how these symptoms prevent you from working or completing daily tasks.

Follow Treatment Plan

Adhering to prescribed treatments demonstrates that you are actively managing your condition. Failure to follow treatments can be used as a reason for denial, so it is essential to maintain consistent medical care, including taking medications as directed and attending therapy sessions.

Get Help from a Lawyer

Support from a legal professional can make a significant difference in your SSDI application. The evidence-gathering skills of a lawyer can be valuable when communicating with medical professionals and collecting documentation to illustrate the extent of your condition. Plus, a skilled disability lawyer can provide legal and emotional support throughout the process, helping ensure you understand the requirements at each stage and assisting you with an appeal if your claim is denied.

Honest, Experienced, Compassionate Legal Support

Applying for SSDI with a mental health condition can be a frustrating and complex process. However, you don’t have to go through it alone. 

At the Law Offices of Jennifer R. Solomon, we have extensive experience supporting applicants through each step of an SSDI claim. Raised by a mother who suffered from post-polio syndrome, attorney Jennifer Solomon has first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Today, her mission is to put her years of legal experience toward fierce advocacy for those struggling to obtain the benefits they are entitled to. If you need help applying for SSDI or appealing a denial, contact our office today to learn more about how we can help.