Step 1: Confirm Diagnosable Mental Health Conditions

Your disability must include:

• Clinically recognized mental illnesses such as major depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, or anxiety disorders.
• Severity that affects your daily functioning and ability to keep employment.
• Medical documentation from psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed therapists.

Step 2: Meet the Duration and Medical Evidence Requirements

Your condition should:

• Be expected to last 12 months or more or be terminal.
• Have detailed treatment history and records showing ongoing care.
• Include functional capacity assessments that clarify work limitations.

Step 3: Fulfill Work Credit Standards

Eligibility depends on:

• Accumulated work credits from paying Social Security taxes.
• The number of credits needed varies based on your age at disability onset.
• Usually, adults require around 20 credits earned within the last 10 years.

Step 4: SSA's Functional and Medical Review

The SSA considers:

• Medical evidence and provider statements substantiating your impairment.
• Residual functional capacity assessments reflecting your ability to work.
• If you can perform any type of employment despite your condition.

Common Barriers to Approval

Be cautious of:

• Incomplete or weak medical proof that doesn’t fully document your disability.
• Mild or temporary conditions that don’t meet SSA’s strict criteria.
• Missing or not attending required SSA evaluations.
• Insufficient work history or credits to qualify.