Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial support to individuals who can no longer work due to a disabling condition. While many people associate SSDI with physical disabilities, many mental health challenges can also qualify for benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes a range of mental disorders as disabling, provided they meet specific medical and functional criteria. Understanding which mental health conditions qualify for SSDI can help individuals determine whether they may be eligible for benefits.
Qualifying conditions
The SSA publishes a list of impairments, commonly referred to as the Blue Book, which outlines the medical conditions that can qualify for disability benefits. The mental disorders section includes:
- Depressive, bipolar and related disorders
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism or ADHD in adults)
- Personality and impulse-control disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Intellectual disabilities
To qualify for SSDI, an applicant must provide medical evidence that their mental health condition is severe enough to prevent them from working. The SSA evaluates whether the condition at issue significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities, such as concentrating, completing tasks, maintaining social relationships or adapting to changes in a work setting.
Simply having a diagnosed mental illness is not enough to receive SSDI benefits. The SSA considers:
- Severity and Duration – The condition must be long-term, meaning it has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months. Short-term or episodic mental health challenges generally do not qualify unless they create significant ongoing limitations.
- Functional Limitations – The applicant must demonstrate that their mental illness severely impacts their ability to function in work-related areas, such as understanding and applying information, interacting with others, maintaining concentration and managing themselves independently.
- Medical Evidence – Detailed medical records, treatment history, psychological evaluations and statements from treating doctors or therapists can play a consequential role in proving a disability claim. Without sufficient evidence, the SSA is likely to deny an application.
SSDI can provide essential financial support for individuals unable to work due to mental health challenges. While obtaining benefits can be difficult, those suffering from severe mental impairments should not be discouraged from applying. Seeking personalized guidance and support can be helpful in this regard.