Although it is rare for someone to have a truly disabling medical condition, there are some adults who will not be able to continue working a job until they reach retirement age. Some people get hurt in accidents, and others develop conditions like vertigo or cancer that prevent them from working.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has very high standards for the medical conditions that may qualify individuals for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Typically, people need to prove that a condition is so severe they cannot work at all and that it will last for at least a year, if not longer, if they hope to obtain SSDI benefits.
Unlike physical conditions, mental health conditions can be difficult to quantify and even to diagnose. Is it possible to get SSDI for mental health issues?
Yes, the SSA approves disability claims for mental health matters
In theory, the SSA recognizes numerous different mental health disorders as disabling medical conditions. However, simply having a diagnosis on the list of potentially disabling mental disorders does not automatically mean that you will qualify for benefits.
The impact of the condition on your daily life is also a significant concern. People will usually need medical records, such as those created during an involuntary hospitalization, that substantiate their claims of their condition preventing them from maintaining employment. Conditions that affect someone’s emotional stability or decision-making, such as schizoaffective disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders, could prevent some people from retaining gainful employment.
Complicated disability claims may require professional support
It can be difficult for individuals diagnosed with severe medical conditions to secure disability benefits when they apply. Those with harder-to-prove conditions, like mental health disorders, may have an even greater challenge when they hope to apply for SSDI benefits.
Someone struggling with mental health issues may lack the resilience or organization to manage an SSDI claim on their own. Professional support can significantly increase someone’s chance of getting benefits when they first apply or in successfully appealing after an initial denial. Learning more about the conditions that may qualify for SSDI benefits will help those who can no longer work due to physical or mental health concerns.