- Michael Burry
- Jul 16, 2025
It can be challenging to get a disability for mental illness, as mental health cases are harder to win. Fewer people who are struggling with mental health disorders may receive benefits. However, mental and psychological disabilities may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
In this post, we will discuss the challenges that disability applicants struggling with mental illness face, as well as how you can overcome the difficulties by preparing your disability claim application.
Can mental illness become a disability?
Yes, mental illness can qualify as a disability if it significantly limits one or more major life activities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When employees or job applicants struggle with mental health conditions that meet the ADA's eligibility criteria, they will qualify for workplace rights.
Which mental illnesses qualify for disability?
The Social Security Administration's (SSA) blue book lists the following mental illness conditions that may qualify for the disability:
- Neurocognitive disorders include dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and substance-induced cognitive disorders.
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Personality disorders
- Learning disabilities
- Schizophrenia
To qualify for the disability, you must meet the specific eligibility criteria of the SSA, which show the severity of your medical condition. However, if the SSA's blue book does not list your disability, you must demonstrate that your mental limitations are preventing you from working.
How do I qualify for disability with a mental health condition?
Proving limitations can be more challenging for applicants with mental illness compared to those with physical limitations.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) also finds it challenging to determine whether an individual qualifies for mental health symptoms, as they may vary from one individual to another. Eligibility for mental illness is much harder to prove than for back pain or blood disorder.
Standard medical techniques or tests cannot measure the majority of mental health symptoms accurately. However, these are the standards that SSA doctors use to evaluate. Disability judges and examiners sometimes treat mental illness disability claims with a biased point of view. This can occur when they fail to treat mental illness with the appropriate level of seriousness.
Submitting relevant medical evidence is a must to support the disability claim. An experienced disability attorney may increase your chances of winning, reducing the risk of disability claim denial.
How much disability can you get for anxiety and other mental health disorders?
The average disability check for anxiety and other mental disorders in 2024 is as follows:
- For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the amount is $3,822 per month.
- For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the amount is $943 per month.
5 Tips for Applying for Disability with a Mental Health Condition
To gain approval for the mental disability benefits, you need to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) how your medical condition prevents you from working.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, you must have a work history and meet the income limits. You also need to gather relevant documentation and medical records, which may help SSA determine your disability. Some additional tips that may increase your chances of success are as follows:
Get the medical treatment
One of the most important things to remember before applying for Social Security Disability Benefits is that you must get medical treatment. Make sure you see your doctor for regular check-ups. If you apply for medical care without seeking medical attention, your disability claim application might face denial.
This is true if you're applying for mental health conditions that are difficult to prove. In this case, if you are seeing a doctor, the SSA may rely on your doctor’s notes and medical records. During a doctor's visit, you must describe your condition, symptoms, and daily struggles. Learn more about how your doctor can assist you in obtaining disability benefits.
A medical health provider can assist you in filling out a "mental residual functional capacity" (MRFC) form.
A medical health provider can assist you in filling out a "mental residual functional capacity" (MRFC) form.
The MRFC form specifies what types of tasks you are capable of doing and what you are unable to do due to your medical condition. In such a situation, you must take help from your psychologist or psychiatrist to fill out the MRFC form. You can also seek assistance from a lawyer or a local SSA office to resolve your case.
Follow prescribed treatments and take regular medications.
The SSA will continue to assess your limitations and ensure that you are taking your prescribed medications. It may make it difficult for them to evaluate your case if you are not following treatments and taking medications regularly.
Consult the right type of healthcare providers.
When a disability claimant applies for a mental healthcare disability, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will require evidence from the psychiatrist or therapist treating them, as well as documentation of their mental health condition. However, there is a condition that your healthcare provider must be a licensed therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist.
Try to maintain a journal.
Your mental illness may occasionally be subjective and invisible to medical tests. This implies that you must substantiate your case with a wealth of personal experiences. As a result, it is critical to keep a record of your symptoms on a regular basis.
It is an excellent way to stay organized and understand how your symptoms are impacting your daily life. In fact, journals will help you know how your mental health disorder is changing from day to day.
There are several effective ways to journal about your disability.
- Try to record your daily routine.
- Include the symptoms you're experiencing.
- If possible, review your journal with your healthcare provider. They may assist you in adding additional details that could potentially benefit you.
Important Questions for Applicants with a Mental Health Disability
What should I include in my disability claim application?
The SSA needs various documents when you are applying for the disability benefits. You need to gather the following documents:
- Your medical records, including hospitalizations and emergency room visits, provide information about your medical condition.
- Records from mental health care providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, or social workers, may be available.
- Please provide your patient ID number, names, phone numbers, addresses, and dates of medical treatment from your healthcare providers.
- Pharmacy records detailing your prescriptions
NOTE: Always ensure that you have a copy of your documents as backup. Occasionally, it is possible for the SSA to misplace your documents and subsequently request them again.
What are the common mistakes that may affect your application?
Avoid the following common mistakes that may negatively impact your disability applications:
-
Do not exaggerate, and always be honest with what you are specifying.
-
Always be specific about your mental health condition, stating the symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life. One example that can clearly illustrate this is
Instead of stating, “I wake up and always stay inside,” say, “I struggle with panic attacks and nightmares. Therefore, my mornings are exhausted, and I feel demotivated.”
-
Always provide details about how your medical condition is affecting your life. It will help the SSA and the judge show the extent of the severity of your medical condition without feeling dejected.
Can the SSA reject my application for alcohol or drug use?
If your medical records indicate that your medical condition would heal if you did not abuse alcohol or drugs, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will deny your application. Furthermore, the SSA may approve your condition if you prove that your medical condition will not improve even if you consume alcohol or drugs.
Can you still work when applying for disability benefits?
It can be risky to work when you are applying for disability benefits. This is because when you apply for disability benefits, you are informing the Social Security Administration that you are unable to work. If you are earning money every month, your case may be denied.
How can a disability law firm advise you?
Working with a Social Security disability lawyer will guide disability applicants who are struggling with mental illness in the right direction. Engage in a thorough discussion of your case, detailing every detail, to enhance your chances of receiving approval for Social Security disability benefits.
FAQs about mental health disabilities
Is it hard to get a disability for mental illness?
Indeed, obtaining a disability due to a mental illness can be challenging. However, it is possible to get the disability benefits. The SSA disability evaluation process is entirely dependent on medical evidence. Therefore, you are required to work with your doctors, who will document your limitations.
How do you apply for disability for mental illness?
You can apply through various means, such as online, with the help of a lawyer, or over the phone. You can also apply in person at the SSA office. However, you must prepare all your employment and medical records for submission.