When applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits as a disabled person or on behalf of a disabled person, it is important that you first find out whether the specific disability is listed as eligible under the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is especially true for mental disorders.

The condition, if recognized by the SSA, should also be officially diagnosed by a doctor before you can apply. It also must satisfy many other rules and regulations if you are to be successful in your disability benefits application.

What categories of mental illness are recognized?

A broad range of mental illnesses are within the criteria. These include psychotic disorders, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and learning disorders.

How severe does the mental disorder need to be in order to qualify?

Disability benefits are primarily in place in order to offer support to those who cannot work due to their conditions. Therefore, in order to qualify, your mental disorder must be severe enough to be preventing you from being able to do the work that you were doing previously.

It must also be stopping you from being able to train for other types of work, or prevent you from gaining any other type of reasonable work. It also needs to be a long-term condition, that has either existed for at least a year, or is expected to last for more than a year in the future.

If you or a loved one is suffering a mental disorder, it is important to speak to your doctor, and they can often suggest the best way to move forward.

Source: Disability Benefits Center, “What Mental Disorders Qualify for Social Security Disability?,” accessed March 01, 2018