Step 1: Confirm Eligible Mental Health Diagnoses

Common qualifying conditions include:

• Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and severe anxiety disorders are recognized by the SSA.
• Your symptoms must limit work-related functions such as concentration, social interaction, or handling stress.
• All diagnoses should be formally recorded by qualified mental health professionals.

Step 2: Meet the SSA's Duration Requirement

Your mental health condition must:

• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Be supported by ongoing medical treatment records and evaluations.
• Include detailed functional capacity assessments from physicians or therapists.

Step 3: Fulfill SSA Work Credit Criteria

Eligibility depends on your work history:

• You must have earned sufficient work credits through Social Security tax payments.
• Required credits vary by age at the onset of disability.
• Typically, adults need about 20 credits in the last decade before applying.

Step 4: SSA Reviews Your Case Thoroughly

The SSA evaluates:

• Medical documentation and professional opinions confirming your disability's impact.
• Your residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform work-related tasks.
• Whether any jobs in the national economy you can still perform.

Common Causes of Denial

Watch out for:

• Lack of sufficient medical evidence supporting the severity of your mental illness.
• Temporary or mild symptoms that don't meet SSA's standards.
• Missing or failing to attend SSA-ordered exams.
• Insufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits.