Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a challenging and frustrating process, particularly for individuals with mental illnesses. Many applicants face initial denials due to the complexity of proving their condition’s severity and its impact on their ability to work.
According to USAFacts, in 2022, only about one in three processed disability applications was approved. Many denials resulted from applicants not meeting the Social Security Administration’s non-medical, or “technical,” requirements. The approval rate rose to approximately 53% for those who cleared these initial hurdles.
Even when all medical and technical requirements are met, the path to approval can extend beyond the initial application. Despite these challenges, certain signs can suggest your SSDI application for mental illness is on track for success.
This post highlights 7 key signs that suggest your SSDI application for mental illness is on track for approval.
1. You Have a Clear and Documented Mental Health Diagnosis
Sign: You have been diagnosed with a specific mental illness (e.g., depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder) by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist.
A well-documented diagnosis from a mental health professional is crucial for SSDI approval. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires clear, detailed evidence of a mental health condition, as well as how it impairs your ability to work.
According to Newsweek, Michelle Cleveland, a 59-year-old with bipolar disorder, faced significant challenges in her quest for SSDI benefits. Despite her severe condition and the devastating loss of two sons, she was denied benefits because she was deemed “not bipolar enough.” This case highlights the importance of a clear and well-documented diagnosis in securing SSDI approval.
A comprehensive diagnosis can also provide a framework for understanding your symptoms and treatment options, which can be essential in supporting your claim.
2. Your Mental Illness Prevents You from Maintaining Employment
Sign: You have not been able to sustain regular employment due to the severity of your mental illness.
According to a report by Mercer and Global Disability Inclusion, individuals with disabilities make up about 7% of the workforce. Of those with disabilities, 51% identify mental health conditions—such as depression or anxiety—as their primary disability, according to Global Disability Inclusion.
This highlights how mental illnesses are the most prevalent disabilities among workers, often leading to challenges in holding a job.
SSDI requires proof that your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means you’re unable to earn a sufficient income due to the limitations imposed by your mental illness. Showing a clear pattern of job instability or an inability to work due to worsening symptoms strengthens your claim.
3. You Have a Long and Consistent Treatment History
Sign: You’ve been receiving continuous treatment for your mental illness, including therapy, medications, or hospitalizations.
A lengthy and consistent treatment history is essential for bolstering your SSDI claim. Regular treatment, like therapy or hospitalizations, shows the SSA that your mental illness is severe and persistent. This record helps verify that your condition is ongoing, not temporary, and that it significantly impacts your daily functioning.
4. Your Condition Matches SSA’s Mental Disorder Listings
Sign: Your mental illness closely aligns with the SSA’s Blue Book mental disorder listings.
If your mental illness matches the criteria in the SSA Blue Book, which details qualifying medical conditions, it significantly improves your chances of approval. The Blue Book includes a range of mental disorders, each with specific symptoms and severity levels that must be met. Meeting these criteria can lead to automatic qualification for disability benefits without needing further proof of work limitations.
The SSA has a stringent definition of disability, and those who qualify for benefits are among the most severely impaired individuals in the country. According to the National Council on Aging, Social Security disability beneficiaries are three times more likely to die within a year than their peers of the same age.
For those who begin receiving benefits at age 55, the mortality rates are even higher. 1 in 6 men and 1 in 8 women pass away within five years of the onset of their disabilities.
5. Your Treating Physician Supports Your Claim
Sign: Your doctor or psychiatrist has provided a written statement supporting your inability to work due to your mental illness.
The SSA places special emphasis on the opinions of treating physicians, as they have firsthand knowledge of your medical history and condition. Their support can clarify the severity and persistence of your symptoms, which is essential for demonstrating the impact of your condition.
6. Your Symptoms Significantly Affect Your Daily Life
Sign: Your mental illness severely impacts your ability to handle basic tasks (e.g., personal care, household chores, managing finances).
A critical factor in the success of your SSDI claim is demonstrating how your mental illness severely affects your daily life. The SSA evaluates disability claims based on medical diagnoses and on the practical effects of those conditions on your daily activities.
When you provide evidence that your symptoms hinder your ability to manage routine responsibilities, it reinforces your claim. This may include testimony from family, friends, or caregivers who can attest to your struggles.
7. You’ve Hired an Attorney for Your Appeal or Reapplication
Sign: You were initially denied SSDI, but now you’ve enlisted legal representation for your appeal.
According to Russell & Hill, the complex web of appeals rules, regulations, paperwork, appointments, and legal processes can be stressful and confusing. Furthermore, even after your appeal is finalized, there is no assurance that you will be granted your benefits.
Hiring an attorney for your SSDI case, particularly after an initial denial, is a significant step that can enhance your chances of approval. Legal representation can greatly improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
A 2022 study found that early legal representation boosts the chances of a positive decision on an initial benefit claim by 23%. This improvement leads to earlier disability awards for individuals who might otherwise face prolonged appeals.
The study emphasizes that legal assistance reduces overall case processing time by nearly one year, allowing you to access benefits more swiftly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most approved mental illness for disability?
The most common mental illnesses that are recognized as disabilities include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and depression. In 2022, these psychological conditions were among the top five most approved disabilities. They often cause cognitive impairments, social interaction difficulties, and inconsistent work performance, significantly impacting daily functioning.
When does mental illness become classified as a disability?
When a person’s capacity to carry out daily tasks or interact with others is severely compromised, their mental condition is categorized as a disability. The SSA evaluates specific criteria in its Blue Book, including severity, duration, and impact on daily life and work performance.
How do I know if my Social Security has been approved?
To know if your Social Security benefits have been approved, you can check your application status on the SSA’s website or call their office. Additionally, you’ll receive a notice by mail detailing the decision, which typically includes the effective date and amount of your benefits.
Remember, a strong SSDI claim requires a combination of medical evidence, documentation of your disability’s impact on your ability to work, and consistent treatment. If you’ve faced a denial, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a lawyer to navigate the appeals process and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
With perseverance and the right support, you can successfully navigate the SSDI system and obtain the benefits you deserve.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.