Can I qualify for SSDI if my disability is mental health-related in California?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 12/02/2025
Can I qualify for SSDI if my disability is mental health-related in California? If you have a mental health condition that severely limits your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in California. The key is to meet the SSA’s requirements, including having a documented condition that is expected to last at least 12 months and having sufficient work credits. The SSA reviews your medical history and functional limitations to determine eligibility, even when the disability is mental health-related.
Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $4,018 per month and 12 months back pay.
Please answer a few questions to help us determine your eligibility.
Step 1: Confirm Your Mental Health Diagnosis
For California SSDI qualification, ensure your condition is:
- Recognized by the SSA such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or schizophrenia.
- Severe enough to interfere consistently with work activities.
- Properly documented by licensed mental health professionals.
Step 2: Meet Medical Duration Requirements
Your disability must:
- Last or be expected to last at least 12 months or be of terminal nature.
- Be supported by ongoing treatment records and evaluations.
- Include professional statements on your functional limitations related to work.
Step 3: Have Sufficient Work History
Eligibility requires:
- A qualifying number of work credits earned through Social Security taxes.
- Credits vary by age at the time of disability onset.
- Most adults need approximately 20 recent credits over the last 10 years before becoming disabled.
Step 4: SSA's Functional Capacity Evaluation
The SSA will:
- Assess medical evidence and psychiatric evaluations.
- Determine your residual functional capacity (RFC) to evaluate if you can perform any work.
- Consider if you can do any job, not just your previous roles.
Common Reasons for SSDI Denial
Be cautious of:
- Insufficient or incomplete medical evidence from your mental health providers.
- Mild or temporary symptoms not meeting SSA’s severity criteria.
- Missing scheduled SSA medical examinations.
- Inadequate work credits or improper filing.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Hogan Smith supports Californians with mental health-related SSDI claims by:
- Reviewing your medical records to ensure your mental health condition is comprehensively documented and submitted properly.
- Helping you understand how your work history and disability onset date affect your application eligibility.
- Communicating directly with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to track and manage your claim status.
- Guiding you through appeals if your claim is denied based on mental health grounds to maximize your chances of approval.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you are facing challenges qualifying for SSDI with a mental health-related disability in California, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our experienced team can help you manage your SSDI application, provide expert advice on documenting your condition, and support you through any appeals or delays to help you get the benefits you deserve.
Further Reading
Boost Your Chance of Being Approved
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.
How It Works
1
Briefly tell us about your case
2
Provide your contact information
3
Choose attorneys to contact you