Is social security available for a mental disability?

Is Social Security available for a mental disability?

Answers

Yes, if the mental disability causes the applicant to meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled, or if it appears on a listing of impairments compiled by Social Security. According to the Social Security Administration, some of the mental conditions that may qualify as a disability include:

  • Schizophrenia
  • Paranoid and other psychotic disorders
  • Affective disorders
  • Mental retardation
  • Anxiety-related disorders
  • Somatoform disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Substance addiction disorders
  • Autistic disorder
  • Other pervasive developmental disorders  

The mental impairment must be severe enough that the individual cannot reasonably be expected to do any gainful activity, such as maintain employment. Social Security requires medical evidence, including psychological testing, to help make its determination. Mental impairments must interfere with the activities of daily living, social functioning, and concentration to meet Social Security’s definition of a disability.

If you need more information, I would suggest consulting with an attorney who is experienced in Social Security disability claims. 

Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer for more information about getting benefits for your particular case.

Contact A Lawyer
Be the first to review.
Please Log in to answer questions.

All Types of Disability Questions & Advice

Can I get disability benefits for a soft tissue injury after a car accident?

I had a car accident a few months ago and have been in constant pain ever since. I can’t move properly without it hurting and my doctor thinks I h...

read more


Can I get disability benefits for chronic back pain?

I have been suffering from chronic lower back pain for many years, and have been forced to give up a few jobs becasue of it. Now I'm having a diffic...

read more


Can I get disability benefits for hearing loss?

I have been working in the construction industry for over twenty years, and as a result of sustained exposure to high sound levels, have lost my hea...

read more


Can I get disability benefits for panic attacks?

I have been suffering from an anxiety disorder since high school, and I often experience sever panic attacks that make it difficult to do my job. La...

read more


Can I get long-term disability benefits for an amputation injury that resulted from a car accident?

I had to have one leg and one arm amputated after an accident. I used to work in construction, and now I obviously can’t do that because of my amput...

read more


Does Social Security offer permanent disability benefits?

Does Social Security offer permanent disability benefits?

read more


How do I get social security disability benefits if I can't work for a year or more?

I am having reconstructive surgery on my face and neck after I suffered some severe burns last year. I will be out of work for a while- probably aro...

read more


How long do temporary disability payments last?

How long do temporary disability payments last?

read more


I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and I experience chronic fatigue symptoms. Am I eligible for disability benefits?

I have fibromyalgia and am very fatigued all the time. I really can't work because of it, but I've been trying to keep my job because we need the mo...

read more


Is depression covered by social security disability benefits?

Question:  My son recently lost his job and was diagnosed with depression.  Is depression covered by Social security disability benefits?

read more


Is lupus covered by social security disability?

I was diagnosed with lupus a few weeks ago and have been trying to keep working but it has just become impossible because of my condition. Are there...

read more


Is social security available for a mental disability?

Is Social Security available for a mental disability?

read more


Is supplemental security income available for someone with bipolar disorder?

Is supplemental security income available for someone with bipolar disorder?

read more


What benefits does the SSA offer for disabled people?

What benefits does the SSA offer for disabled people?

read more


When does Social Security offer backpay?

When does Social Security offer back pay?

read more


This site does not provide legal advice and users of this site should not interpret any of the information presented here as legal advice. The information provided merely conveys general information related to commonly asked legal questions. We are not a law firm and the employees responding to questions are not acting as your legal attorney. You should ultimately consult with a Lawyer for your case.

Related Links

LA-WS5:0.7.14.100803.9563