Qualifying for Disability Benefits Because of Mental Impairments

Many people mistakenly believe that a mental or psychological disability does not qualify for disability benefits under Social Security Disability. Nothing could be further from the truth. Severe depression or any other type of mental illness that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment may qualify for mental illness disability benefits. Social Security disability benefits can cover every day living expenses, medical bills, and other financial obligations.

There are nine categories of mental disorders covered in the blue book. Each disorder has its own set of criteria for evaluation. You must be able to show you meet the criteria or that your disabling condition prevents you from working. It is important that you be able to show you are receiving and complying with treatment when you apply for SSD.

Statistics Related to Receiving Disability Benefits for a Mental Disability

Depression and other mental disabilities are more common than you might think in our society. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as many as 10.3 million adults in the United States suffered a depressive episode in 2016. That being said, in the same year, only about 2 million people were receiving SSDI or SSI benefits for mood disorders—about 14 percent of the total number of beneficiaries. Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder ranked high among the primary mental impairments for SSDI or SSI benefits.

In fact, mood disorders are the most common impairment following back problems. When combined with traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and agoraphobia, psychological conditions account for about 16 percent of all SSDI or SSI applicants. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to convince others who have not experienced a mental disability that it’s not something you can “get over.”  The same may also be true when you are applying for mental illness disability benefits.

How to Complete Forms and Reports for Your SSD Case

Eligibility for Mental Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability is available to disabled adult workers who have paid Social Security taxes. If you have never worked due to your mental illness, you will not qualify for SSDI, but could qualify for SSI. You must have worked in jobs covered by SSA and have a medical condition that meets the SS definition of a disability.

Generally speaking, you must have been unable to work for a year or more as a result of your disability. Once you are approved for benefits, they will continue until you are able to return to work on a regular basis. If you are receiving SSDI when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits will automatically convert, with the amount remaining the same.

Your SS work credits are based on total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four work credits each year, although the amount needed per credit changes yearly. In 2021, you earn one credit for each $1,470 in wages or self-employment income. Once you’ve earned $5,880 (in 2021), you’ve earned your four credits for the year.

The number of credits you will need will depend on how old you are when you become disabled. In general, you need 40 credits. Twenty of those 40 credits must have been earned in the past 10 years (up until the year you became disabled). Younger disabled workers may be able to qualify with fewer credits.

What is Considered “Disabled” Under Social Security Rules?

You are considered disabled by SSA if you cannot do work you did prior to your disability and cannot adjust to another type of work. Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least a year or result in death.

Social Security does not pay for partial disability or short-term disability—only total disability. SSA determines whether you are disabled by asking the following five questions: