Is it hard to get long-term disability for mental health?

Asked by: Alice Kirlin  |  Last update: March 14, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (26 votes)

The process of getting long-term disability (LTD) benefits for a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety is not always easy, and wrongful denials are often made by the insurance company.

Does mental illness qualify for long term disability?

Yes. If you have been provided long term disability (“LTD”) insurance via your employer or through a privately purchased policy, you may be eligible to receive benefits for a mental illness. LTD benefits are typically designed to provide financial support if you're unable to work due to a disabling medical condition.

What not to say in a long term disability interview?

Exaggerating the extent of your disability will not improve the odds that your application is approved. In fact, claimants who complain of chronic pain that is untreatable might make a poor impression on the ALJ. Inflated claims of pain are never a good idea during a disability hearing.

What qualifies as a long term disability?

In order to be deemed disabled, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Act (SSA) definition of disability, which is “having an illness or injury that is expected to last at least 12 months or if your condition may be considered terminal.” Learn about the disability process through our free ...

How difficult is it to get disability for mental health?

Unfortunately, qualifying for SSDI as a result of depression is very challenging. Social Security takes a very outdated approach to analyzing mental illness when determining if someone is entitled to SS disability benefits. To qualify for these benefits, Social Security will take a look at your medical records to see t.

Mental Disorders and How to Collect Your Long Term Disability Benefits

26 related questions found

What is the most approved mental illness for disability?

According to the SSA, the most commonly approved condition for DACs in 2021 was intellectual disorders, at 44.7%. About 29% of DAC receiving SSDI benefits in 2021 did so because of all other mental disorders, which includes mental illnesses.

How to pass a mental evaluation for disability?

Tips on How to Pass the Social Security Mental Exam
  1. Answer all the questions. The disability mental exam questions are designed to give the examiner a clear picture of your mental health. ...
  2. Be specific. ...
  3. Don't answer questions you aren't asked. ...
  4. Be honest. ...
  5. Don't hold back. ...
  6. Do your best on any tests you're given.

Is it hard to get approved for long-term disability?

There are a few factors that can make disability insurance claim approval an uphill battle. One of the biggest factors is also one of the most basic – how the disability insurance policy defines disability.

What disabilities are hard to prove?

Here are the Top Disabilities That Are Difficult To Prove
  • Mental Health Conditions.
  • Chronic Pain Disorders.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
  • Autoimmune Disorders.

What is the easiest condition to get disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

Can I lose my job while on long term disability?

It's rare, but it is possible. In many cases, a disabled individual will continue to be given long term disability benefits if they are employed or not. If you find yourself in this dire situation, you can still file for long term disability benefits with the help of a California lawyer.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

It includes:
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.
  • Cardiovascular System, such as hypertension and heart disease.

What not to tell a disability judge?

Subjects to avoid unless you are directly questioned include:
  • Any family members receiving unemployment or disability benefits.
  • Details about your criminal history.
  • Issues related to alcohol or drugs.
  • Non-compliance with your doctor's orders.
  • Living in a town with no available job opportunities.

How much does mental health disability pay per month?

The maximum mental health disability pay through SSDI in 2023 is $3,267, and the maximum is based on the maximum annual earnings that are subject to Social Security taxes. The average monthly SSDI mental health disability benefit, according to the Social Security Administration, is $1,483 in 2023.

What counts as a long term mental health condition?

Chronic mental illnesses are defined as conditions that consistently affect a person's cognition and/or emotions for at least three months or more. Some of the more common chronic illnesses are anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders.

What is 100% disability for mental health?

VA 100% mental health disability rating

Veterans rated at 100% for mental health are suffering from total social and occupational impairment, which means they are usually unable to work. They are most definitely struggling with more evident symptoms of mental health, such as: Gross impairment of thought processes.

What is the most overlooked disability?

Q: What Is the Most Commonly Overlooked Disability? A: Generally, the most overlooked disabilities are mental health disorders. These include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, to name a few. They are often overlooked and misunderstood.

What is proof of a mental disability?

The SSA will look for statements about your mental health symptoms, behavior patterns, social interactions, ability to complete tasks, and other information about your daily life. Additional medical evidence can include: Diagnostic tests you have taken. A history of the prescription medications you take or have taken.

What gives 100% disability?

The 100 percent disability rating is often awarded to veterans with two or more limbs that have been amputated or paralyzed or for veterans with active service-related diseases such as cancer, severe cardiac conditions, or psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, bipolar, depression, or schizophrenia.

Why would long-term disability be denied?

Missing or insufficient medical evidence: Long-term disability claims often get denied if they lack sufficient information to justify an approval, like medical records and medical statements from your doctor.

What's the fastest you can get approved for disability?

In these cases, the disability claims examiner doesn't have to request that a medical consultant look at your file if they want to approve you. Your case could potentially be approved within 15-20 days if your medical records are complete and the date on which your disability began can be easily determined.

What documentation is needed for long-term disability?

W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year; An Adult Disability Report that collects more details about your illnesses, injuries or conditions, and your work history; Medical evidence already in your possession. This includes medical records, doctors' reports, and recent test results; and.

Is it hard to get disability for mental health?

For most mental illnesses, you will need to prove that you have been taking medication for two years or more and have not seen any improvement in your condition. It can be quite challenging to get approved for benefits with a mental illness, especially if you do not precisely meet a Blue Book listing.

What happens if you fail a mental evaluation?

A mental health assessment isn't like taking a final exam at school — you don't pass or fail the assessment. Instead, the mental health professionals who perform the assessment use your testing results to arrive at a diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan for you.

What is the psych exam for disability?

The purpose of the mental exam is for the SSA to learn more about your mental health. They are trying to determine if your mental symptoms would keep you from working. The exam will usually last at least one hour. The length of the exam depends on whether or not the SSA wants to test you too.