Qualifying Mental Health Conditions

Some of the most common mental illnesses that may qualify for SSDI include:

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

Your condition does not need to match these examples exactly, but it must significantly impair your daily functioning.

What SSA Looks For

To qualify for SSDI based on mental illness, you must meet SSA’s requirements:

1. Documented diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional.
2. Ongoing treatment with consistent medical records.
3. Evidence that your symptoms interfere with your ability to work, such as difficulty concentrating, handling stress, or interacting with others.
4. Duration of impairment—your condition must have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 12 months.

SSA may also require you to attend a consultative psychological exam to evaluate your condition further.

Strengthening Your Claim

Successful SSDI claims for mental illness are supported by:

• Comprehensive medical records from therapists, psychiatrists, and hospitals
• Statements from your healthcare providers about how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work
• Information from past employers, family members, or caregivers detailing your limitations

Keeping regular appointments and following prescribed treatments can also help show the SSA that you're making efforts to manage your condition.