Does the SSA Consider a Mental Illness Disabling?
What to Know About Mental Illness and Social Security Disability Benefits
Mental illness affects millions of people every year, yet there is still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health. One common question that arises is whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a mental illness to be disabling. The answer is yes, but it’s important to understand what criteria must be met in order for someone with a mental illness to qualify for disability benefits.
How Does the SSA Define Mental Illness?
The SSA defines mental illnesses as any “medically determinable psychiatric disorder resulting from physiological or psychological dysfunction” which manifests itself through changes in behavior, thinking, mood, and/or communication. This includes conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
What Criteria Does the SSA Consider?
When considering whether someone should receive disability benefits for a mental illness diagnosis, the SSA looks at the severity of symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or remembering; lack of interest in activities; difficulty interacting with others; impulsivity or inability to control impulses; feelings of hopelessness or helplessness; and suicidal or self-harm thoughts or behaviors. The SSA will also consider how these symptoms interfere with daily life activities—such as being able to take care of oneself—as well as how well the treatment has been working.
How Can Giles Disability Law Help Me?
In addition to symptoms and treatment history, the SSA may also consider the educational background and work experience when evaluating an applicant's claim. This is because certain situations—such as having limited education or work experience—can make it more difficult for someone living with a mental illness to find employment even if their condition isn't considered disabling according to the SSA's guidelines.
If you are living with a mental health condition that makes it difficult for you to work full-time due to your symptoms or side effects from treatments like medication or therapy, you may want to consider filing for Social Security Disability (SSD). It’s important to note that individuals should not expect their applications to be approved quickly—the process can take up to several months before a decision is made by the SSA—but understanding what criteria they look at can help make sure your case is well-documented when applying. By researching this information ahead of time, you can feel confident that your application stands the best chance possible for approval.
