Step 1: Understand Qualifying Mental Disorders

Connecticut applicants should know:

• Common accepted conditions include severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia.
• Disability must markedly interfere with work and daily activities.
• Clinician documentation from psychiatrists or psychologists is essential.

Step 2: Fulfill SSA’s Duration Requirement

Your mental health condition must:

• Be expected to last 12 months or longer or be terminal.
• Have detailed treatment and therapy records to prove ongoing impairment.
• Include evidence of functional limitations provided by medical professionals.

Step 3: Meet Work Credit Thresholds

SSDI requires:

• Sufficient work credits earned by paying Social Security taxes.
• The number of credits needed depends on your age at disability onset.
• Typically, 20 credits in the previous 10 years for most adults.

Step 4: SSA Review and Decision

The SSA will:

• Analyze medical evidence and doctor statements regarding your mental health severity.
• Assess your residual functional capacity to determine if you can work at any job.
• Make decisions based on your overall ability to perform work-related tasks.

Common Denial Reasons

Watch out for:

• Insufficient medical proof or incomplete mental health records.
• Milder disorders that do not meet SSA severity standards.
• Missing required work credits or employment history.
• Failure to comply with SSA consultative exams.