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The Global Insight

What mental health conditions qualify for SSI?

Author

Robert Miller

Updated on March 22, 2026

With these broad criteria in mind, the SSA recognizes several categories of mental illness which may be considered for Social Security Disability.

  • Organic disorders.
  • Psychotic disorders.
  • Affective disorders.
  • Mental retardation.
  • Anxiety related disorders.
  • Somatoform disorders.
  • Personality disorders.

How much SSI do you get for mental illness?

In 2015, the federal payment was $733/month for an individual and $1,100/month for a couple. However, the amount depends on several factors, including your living arrangements.

Can you get a SSI check for anxiety and depression?

Because having severe depression or anxiety can make it impossible for an individual to work or to earn a living, people with both severe depression and severe anxiety (a common combination) may be able to collect disability through the Social Security Administration’s disability insurance program (SSDI) or the …

Is it hard to get disability for mental illness?

Social Security completes a PRTF form for every disability claim that involves a mental condition. How Difficult Is It to Get Disability for Mental or Emotional Conditions? Less than four in ten readers with mood or anxiety disorders were approved for disability benefits.

Can you get SSI for anxiety?

Anxiety disorders involving phobias, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety can qualify for Social Security disability benefits if they are well documented and severely debilitating.

What mental illnesses are disabilities?

Mental illness is not by itself a disability. However, there is a class of mental health disabilities called psychiatric disabilities….These include:

  • Anxiety disorders.
  • Anorexia.
  • ADHD.
  • Asperger’s Syndrome.
  • Autism.
  • Bipolar Disorder.
  • Depression.
  • Drug addiction.

Can I get SSI for anxiety?

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits for an anxiety disorder, you have to be able to show that your symptoms are chronic (will last for at least 12 months) and that they meet one of several specific medical diagnoses related to anxiety and that they severely and negatively impact your ability to function …

What mental illnesses are considered disabilities?

Can a mental condition be listed on Social Security disability?

In fact, it is for this reason that many mental conditions that are actually listed in the Social Security Disability list of impairments will refer to episodes of decompensation that are repeated over time and which are of extended duration. What if you have a mental condition that does not result in extended episodes of decompensation?

When does Social Security send you to a doctor for mental illness?

If you are not receiving regular treatment by a psychiatrist or psychologist, or if your medical records don’t accurately document the reality of your situation, Social Security will likely send you to an independent doctor for a mental consultative exam. Mental disorders are the second leading cause of Disability claims.

Where can I apply for SSI If I have mental illness?

If you’re applying only for SSDI, you can do so online, or you can apply at the SSA office nearest you. For SSI however, there is no online application available. This is because an interview is part of the standard application process, and must be completed in person, or under some circumstances, via phone.

How much money can you get on social security if you have a mental illness?

Currently, the average monthly SSI payment is $560.55, but the maximum amount could be up to $733. Social Security’s decision-makers will consult a Disability guidebook to evaluate your claim. In order for your application to be approved for Disability for mental illness, your condition must meet certain specific medical requirements.