Being approved for disability benefits with a mental health condition is easier said than done.
11% of all disability claims are due to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. But here’s the kicker — when you look at the denial rate, the statistics tell a different story. The national average for disability claim denials is 62%. For mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression, the denial rate is even higher, sitting at 76% for mood disorders.
Yes, you read that right.
76% of people with mood disorders who applied for disability benefits got denied.
Why is it so much harder to get approved for a mental health condition versus a physical disability? In this article, I’m going to tell you all about how mental health affects disability, what you need to know to increase your chances of being approved, and how this SSDI attorney Corey Pollard and other Social Security Disability Law attorneys approach these cases differently than most.
Stick around!
- What you need to know about Mental Health disability statistics
- Why mental health claims get denied more often than other types of conditions
- The real challenge of documentation for mental health cases
- How long the process actually takes
- What you can do to build a stronger mental health disability claim
Mental Health Disability Stats: The Facts
Okay, so here’s a little-known fact…
Out of the more than 11 million people who were receiving disability benefits in December 2024, most of them did not have it easy when they applied for disability.
Especially those who have mental health conditions.
Mental health disabilities are not treated the same way as physical health problems when it comes to approval. With physical disabilities, you can get an x-ray, an MRI, an operation record, and then they consider those as basis to approve your case. Mental health conditions are subjective, and that’s exactly why it gets denied more often.
Why mental health claims are denied at higher rates
People who filed for mental health claims were denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA) at a significantly higher rate than people with physical disabilities were.
But why?
Here’s the thing: physical impairments are way easier to prove since most of them have solid and legitimate evidence that doctors can gather to file for disability benefits. A blood test result can be checked for confirmation. Imaging such as x-ray and MRIs are very hard to fake. Surgical operations have record files.
Mental conditions do not work that way.
Here are the things that make mental health claims different from physical health claims:
- Symptoms may change on a day-to-day basis
- Severity is more difficult to measure objectively
- People who do not take medications regularly have inconsistent treatment records
- Records from the medical examination may not always capture the full impact on daily functioning.
The fact that you are seeing your therapist or psychiatrist every month does not necessarily mean that your medical records will show that your condition has a heavy toll on your capacity to perform at work, focus, and keep a schedule, among others.
So what’s the main problem here?
Insufficient medical documentation. Yes, most of the time, the evidence you submit to prove your case is not enough. And when it comes to mental health claims, it hits harder.
A lot of people have mental health conditions for a very long time before even getting help from a professional or an expert.
The results? You’ll have incomplete medical records.
Okay, now let me tell you something even more frustrating…
Disability Claims Processing Times For Mental Health
The average processing time for a disability claim was 231 days in fiscal 2024. This is the equivalent of more than seven months. And for mental health claims? It takes even longer.
Seven months without any income, while you’re at your worst and too disabled to work? Yeah. That can be very devastating to a person.
And if you get denied? The appeal process adds even more time. If you go for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, it can take another year or more.
Types of mental health conditions that qualify for disability benefits
So what mental health conditions are considered by the SSA?
The Social Security Administration has a list of mental health conditions that are eligible to apply for disability benefits. And these include:
- Depressive disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Intellectual disorders
- Neurocognitive disorders
However, just because you have been diagnosed with any of the above-mentioned conditions, it doesn’t mean that you will automatically get approved.
In order to be approved, you will need to show severe limitations on your ability to understand information and instructions, communicate and socialize with other people, focus and concentrate, and manage yourself. This is known as “paragraph B” criteria, and you will need to show extreme limitation in one area, or marked limitation in at least two areas, to be approved.
Building a Strong Mental Health Disability Case
So how do you increase your chances of approval?
Documentation is key. It needs to show the full impact of your mental health condition on your life.
Consistent Treatment Records: Be sure to regularly visit your mental health providers. Gaps in treatment make examiners assume that your condition is not severe.
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a journal documenting your symptoms and the effects of your condition on your daily activities.
Get Third-Party Statements: Collect statements from family, friends, or former employers who can attest to how your condition has changed your ability to function.
Medical records should specifically address work-related limitations. Your doctor should explain how your symptoms prevent you from working.
The Role of Legal Representation
This might come as a surprise…
Did you know that people with legal representation are three times more likely to get approved for disability benefits? Yes, this is because they are aware of the exact kind of evidence that the Social Security Administration will be looking at.
A good disability attorney will review your medical records for any gaps, help you obtain any missing documentation, prepare you for your hearing, and ensure your file has all of the necessary evidence for your specific case.
This is especially true for mental health claims, as having someone who understands Social Security Disability Law can make all the difference between approval and denial.
Common Mistakes That Can Kill Mental Health Claims
And now, I’m about to show you…
What sinks most mental health disability claims…
- Inconsistent treatment: If you’re not seeing a provider on a regular basis, examiners will automatically assume that your condition is not that severe. Gaps in care hurt your case.
- Working while applying: If you earn more than $1,620 per month in 2025, you will most likely be disqualified. Some people attempt to work part-time while applying for disability benefits and end up getting denied.
- Not following prescribed treatment: If your doctor prescribes medications or therapy and you do not follow through, examiners will question whether your condition truly prevents you from working.
- Poor testimony during hearing: Some claimants minimize their symptoms or fail to clearly articulate their limitations at hearings. This can sabotage an otherwise strong case.
Wrapping this up
Mental health conditions present unique challenges in the disability claims process. With denial rates as high as 76% for mood disorders, these claims require extra attention to documentation and evidence.
The key to success is building a comprehensive case that shows the full impact of your condition on your ability to work. That means consistent treatment records, detailed symptom documentation, and medical evidence specifically addressing work-related limitations.
The average processing time of 231 days means you must be prepared for a long wait. But with the right approach and documentation, approval is absolutely possible.
The difference between approval and denial comes down to the quality of your medical evidence. Take the time to build a strong claim from the start and seek professional guidance navigating the intricacies of Social Security Disability Law.
