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Do mental health conditions ever qualify for SSDI benefits?

On Behalf of | Aug 23, 2024 | SSDI

Every worker in the United States who pays taxes contributes to Social Security. Every paycheck they earn helps fund Social Security programs. Workers earn credits based on their contributions. Their contributions may help them qualify for retirement benefits later in life.

They can also potentially request Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if medical challenges leave them unable to do their jobs. SSDI benefits are typically only available to those facing life-altering and debilitating medical issues. A large percentage of those seeking benefits have serious physical maladies. And some people struggle with independent living or employment due to mental health disorders.

Can people secure SSDI benefits if they have diagnosed mental health conditions?

Mental health struggles can be debilitating

Although some people are still dismissive about mental health disorders, medical professionals recognize how severe they can be. The Social Security Administration (SSA) bases its disability policies on medical knowledge, not public opinion. The SSA does consider mental health challenges in adults to potentially be qualifying disabling conditions.

In fact, there is an entire category of potentially qualifying conditions that includes a variety of different mental health disorders. Issues ranging from severe depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can make working adults eligible for SSDI benefits.

The condition must be severe to qualify

Simply having a diagnosis included on the list of qualifying conditions does not automatically mean an individual is eligible for SSDI benefits. Instead, they need documentation affirming that their condition is severe enough to prevent them from maintaining any gainful employment.

Extensive medical records are typically necessary for a successful benefits claim. In many cases, conditions may need to be severe enough to lead to involuntary hospitalization rather than just outpatient therapy. The more documentation a worker has of their attempts to undergo treatment and the challenges they face, the better their chances of securing benefits when they find themselves unable to work. Obtaining assistance when pursuing a complex SSDI benefits claim can improve someone’s chances of success.

Those already struggling with their mental health may benefit from having someone else handle stressful application paperwork. The right support can help those struggling with serious mental health maladies obtain SSDI benefits until they can return to work.