How does SSDI eligibility apply if my disability is mental health-related?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 12/02/2025
How does SSDI eligibility apply if my disability is mental health-related? SSDI eligibility for mental health-related disabilities depends on the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work. The Social Security Administration requires that your mental health condition must be medically documented and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Eligibility also requires meeting the SSA’s standard for work credits earned through prior employment. The evaluation focuses on how your mental health impacts your functional capacity to perform substantial gainful activity.
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Step 1: Confirm Your Mental Health Condition Qualifies
The SSA recognizes specific mental disorders including:
- Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, and other recognized diagnoses.
- Ongoing symptoms must severely limit your work-related abilities.
- Professional diagnosis and treatment records are essential.
Step 2: Meet the SSA’s Duration and Severity Standards
Your disability must be:
- Expected to last 12 months or longer or be terminal.
- Documented with medical evidence showing persistent and disabling symptoms.
- Demonstrate how symptoms limit daily functioning and work tasks.
Step 3: Fulfill Required Work Credits
Eligibility also requires:
- Enough Social Security work credits based on your age when disabled.
- Recent work history showing sufficient contributions.
- Usually, 20 credits earned within the last 10 years are needed.
Step 4: Undergo SSA Functional Capacity Evaluation
The SSA evaluates:
- Medical records, mental health assessments, and professional opinions.
- Your ability to perform various work tasks despite your condition.
- Whether you can engage in any type of gainful employment.
Common Reasons Mental Health Claims Are Denied
Beware of these issues:
- Lack of comprehensive medical evidence or supporting documentation.
- Symptoms not impacting work ability to the SSA’s required level.
- Missing required work credits or employment history.
- Failure to attend or complete SSA consultative exams.
How Hogan Smith Can Help You
At Hogan Smith, we guide Arkansas residents with mental health-related SSDI claims by:
- Helping gather and organize all necessary medical and psychological documentation to support your claim.
- Explaining how your mental health diagnosis, symptoms, and work history impact SSDI eligibility.
- Advocating with the SSA to ensure proper consideration of your mental health-related disability.
- Assisting with appeals if your mental health claim is denied or delayed.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If your SSDI application involves a mental health-related disability, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our skilled team is ready to help you understand eligibility, gather strong evidence, and fight for the benefits you deserve with confidence and care.
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