Mental health and SSDI: Getting the support you need
Many people think of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as a program for those with physical disabilities. But mental disorders can be just as debilitating-and are recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as qualifying conditions. If your mental illness makes it impossible for you to function in the workplace, you may be eligible for benefits.
That eligibility comes with certain requirements. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must meet these criteria:
Your disability needs to last at least a year or be fatal.
You must be under 65—Medicare eligibility starts at 65.
You must have earned a certain number of Social Security work credits, usually through your job over the past decade.
If you became disabled before age 23, you may be eligible based on your parents’ work credits—without affecting their benefits.
Mental Health Conditions That May Qualify for SSDI
Many people associate SSDI with physical impairments, but mental disorders can be just as disabling—and are recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as qualifying conditions. If your mental illness significantly limits your ability to function in a work environment, you may be eligible for benefits.
Examples of mental illnesses that may qualify for SSDI include:
Depression and Major Depressive Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Anxiety disorders, including PTSD and OCD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Intellectual disabilities (previously referred to as mental retardation)
Personality disorders
Substance addiction disorders (in limited cases, if they co-occur with or worsen another mental condition)
These conditions are outlined in the SSA’s Blue Book, which lists specific medical criteria for mental disorders. However, you don’t have to meet the exact criteria in the Blue Book to qualify—you can also be approved based on how your condition functionally impairs your daily life and ability to work.
Mental Disorders
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD) is a payroll-funded program to supplement the income of those unable to work due to disability.
General Qualifications for SSD Eligibility
For you to be eligible for SSD, your disability must last for at least a year or be terminal. You must also be under age 65 to be eligible, as 65 is normally the age of Medicare eligibility.
To be eligible for SSD, you must have accumulated a prescribed number of Social Security credits (normally accumulated through work experience and payment into Social Security) during the 10 years immediately preceding disability. Requirements vary according to age, and if you suffer disability before age 23 you may be able to draw on your parents’ Social Security credits without affecting your parents’ eligibility for SSD.
Mental Disorders
People often associate Social Security Disability with physical disorders, but mental disability can be just as devastating. If you’re unable to work due to a mental disorder, or you have a family member unable to work due to mental disability, it may be possible for you or your loved one to receive SSD benefits.
The Social Security Administration considers such disorders as depression, bipolar syndrome, anxiety-related disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, autism, and mental retardation qualifying conditions for SSD.
Although drug and alcohol abuse alone do not qualify for Social Security Disability, substance addiction disorders are recognized as a qualifying condition.
If the general qualifications for SSD eligibility are met and a mental disorder makes it impossible to engage in substantial gainful activity, you or your loved one may qualify for SSD benefits.
To qualify, it is necessary to present medical evidence of a mental disability that has lasted or is expected to last 12 months or mofre. Normally required are medical and laboratory reports, along with medical history information. Most likely, other documentation and testing will be required as well.
For further information about mental disorders and SSD, click here.
If you’re considering applying for Social Security Disability, click here for a free SSD evaluation. If you’ve already applied and been denied benefits—or you’re still waiting for the result—the free evaluation may help you learn how to make a stronger case for being awarded SSD benefits. If you’ve already been approved for SSDI, call MedicareMall toll-free at (877) 413-1556 and we’ll help you make sure you’ve got everything in order.
If you’d like more information about Social Security Disability, a bonded, licensed MedicareMall representative will be happy to answer your questions. We’ll also be glad to answer any questions you may have about Medicare Advantage or Medicare supplement plans.
Contact MedicareMall now and we’ll make it our priority to help you make the best-informed decisions possible when it comes to your health or disability.