Mental health conditions can be just as disabling as physical illnesses, but securing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for them often proves more difficult. Unlike visible physical injuries, mental impairments are harder to measure—and often misunderstood. Many deserving applicants are denied simply because they don’t know how to present their case effectively.

At PLBH, we help individuals in California navigate the complex SSDI process and fight for the benefits they deserve. If you’re applying for SSDI based on a mental health condition, here’s what you need to know—and how to overcome the most common barriers.

Common Mental Health Conditions That Qualify for SSDI

SSDI benefits are available for individuals who have a qualifying medical condition that prevents them from working for at least 12 months. Mental health conditions that may qualify include:

Major depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Schizophrenia
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Autism spectrum disorders
Personality disorders

Even if your diagnosis isn’t listed in the SSA’s “Blue Book,” you may still qualify if your symptoms significantly interfere with your ability to work.

Common Obstacles When Applying for SSDI with a Mental Illness

1. Lack of Medical Evidence

One of the biggest reasons claims are denied is insufficient documentation. You must demonstrate that your condition is severe, ongoing, and prevents you from working full-time.

To strengthen your claim, gather:

Treatment records from therapists, psychiatrists, and primary care doctors
Medication history and records of side effects
Mental health evaluations or psychological testing results
Hospital or inpatient treatment records, if applicable

SSA relies on medical evidence to assess your limitations—without it, your claim will likely be denied.

2. Inconsistent Treatment History

Gaps in your mental health treatment can hurt your credibility. SSA may assume you’re not truly disabled if you’re not consistently seeing a doctor or therapist.

Tips to avoid this issue:

Keep all therapy and medical appointments
Follow through with treatment plans, including medication
Document any barriers to treatment (e.g., financial hardship, transportation issues)

If you have gaps in care, explain them clearly during the application or appeal process.

3. Underestimating Functional Limitations

Some applicants focus too much on their diagnosis and not enough on how their condition affects their daily life and ability to work.

Be sure to describe:

Trouble concentrating, remembering, or completing tasks
Difficulty interacting with coworkers or supervisors
Anxiety or panic attacks that disrupt your day
Fatigue, mood swings, or emotional instability

A diagnosis alone isn’t enough—you need to explain how it limits your ability to perform work activities consistently and reliably.

4. Not Getting Support from Treating Providers

SSA gives significant weight to opinions from your treating mental health professionals—but only if those opinions are detailed and supported.

Ask your provider to complete:

A Mental Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment
A letter describing your limitations, prognosis, and how your condition affects daily functioning

Generic or vague notes won’t help—specific, well-documented statements carry more weight.

Appealing a Denied Claim

If your SSDI application is denied, don’t give up. Most initial claims are denied, especially those based on mental health. You have the right to appeal and present additional evidence.

At PLBH, we represent clients through every stage of the SSDI process—from application to administrative hearings. We’ll help you gather evidence, prepare for testimony, and challenge SSA’s reasoning for denial.

Let Us Help You Build a Stronger Claim

Living with a mental health condition is hard enough. Fighting for the benefits you deserve shouldn’t make it harder. If you’re struggling to secure SSDI or have already been denied, call PLBH at (800) 435-7542 to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you present the strongest case possible and fight for the support you need.