SSI Mental Health Disability Criteria

The Social Security Administration administers the Supplemental Security Income program, which provides benefits for aged, blind or disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Although SSI is not a Social Security benefit, both programs use the same process to evaluate disability benefit applications.

Step One: Diagnosis

• The mental impairment must have a diagnosis by a medical professional supported by the evidence. Social Security divides diagnosed mental illnesses into nine different categories, which include disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, paranoia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety or personality disorders.

Step 2: Evidence

• Evidence includes medical records from mental health professionals and facilities, laboratory, psychological tests and professional observations. The applicant's own statements regarding her symptoms and feelings also are evidence. Evidence must support when the condition first prevented the applicant from working substantially, and that it will keep him from working at least 12 months.

Step 3: Evaluation

• To assess severity, SSA looks at ways the condition has impacted the applicant's functioning, such as ability to handle basic daily activities or interact with other people, and if it required institutionalization or caused the applicant to be fired from or quit jobs. The decision also considers if symptoms currently are muted because of therapy, medication and removal from stressful situations.