Key Takeaways
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to people with mental disorders that prevent them from working.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for adults who paid into Social Security and cannot work for at least 12 months.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) supports people with disabilities who have low incomes and limited resources.
Someone who has bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or another mental illness that prevents them from working or maintaining employment may qualify for disability pay. Learn more about this benefit, as well as mental health disability payment programs you or someone you love may qualify to receive.
Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to more than 8.9 million people. Financial benefits provided can help these individuals pay their medical bills, living expenses, and other financial obligations.
SSA benefits are paid every month in an effort to alleviate financial strain for individuals with a disability that inhibits their ability to work. Unfortunately, the benefits application process can be painstakingly difficult and many first-time applications are denied.
To be eligible for mental health disability pay from the SSA, a person’s mental health disability must fall under one of the following categories:
SSA Disability Payment Programs
The SSA offers two programs, both of which provide assistance to people with physical and mental disabilities. They are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is available for adults with permanent disabilities, as well as their families. To qualify, you must have a mental health impairment that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must also have previously worked and paid into the Social Security program for at least five of the last 10 years.
Allocated monthly payments are based on your average lifetime earnings over a certain period of years, also known as your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). As of January 2024, the average monthly benefit for disability insurance is $1,711.40.
If you worked for many years earning a high salary, you would receive more disability pay than someone who worked for less time at a lower salary.
After 24 months of SSDI, you may qualify to receive Medicare benefits. If you are receiving veterans benefits, this won’t affect your SSDI payment amount, but workers’ compensation might.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI benefits are given to both adults and children with disabilities who have low incomes and limited resources. To qualify, you must have an impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months.
An individual applying for SSI also cannot have more than $2,000 in assets, or more than $3,000 in assets as a couple. Certain assets are not counted in terms of resources, some of which include the individual’s primary home, car, wedding rings, and burial spaces or funds.
In 2024, the maximum monthly amounts paid for SSI benefits are:
- $943 for an eligible individual
- $1,415 for an eligible couple
How much SSI you receive depends on many factors, including, but not limited to your countable unearned income and living arrangements.
If you qualify for SSI, you may be automatically approved for Medicaid benefits. If it’s not automatic (which it isn’t in some states), you may still be entitled to Medicaid—you just need to apply.
Other Mental Health Disability Benefit Programs
If you have a mental health disorder or illness that is making it difficult to work and causing you financial stress, it can be beneficial to look into other disability benefit programs. Many additional federal, state, and local initiatives provide assistance and financial support to individuals with mental health disabilities.
Some of these programs include:
- The SSA’s Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program, which provides monthly benefits to qualified retired and disabled workers, as well as their dependents and families
- State-specific programs, such as Michigan’s Disability Assistance Program (SDA), which provide cash assistance to eligible adults who are 65 years old or older
- Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration programs, which provide qualified Medicaid beneficiaries with substance use or mental health services
- Private disability programs, which assist commercial insurers and are often included in an employer’s benefits package
Applying for Mental Health Disability Benefits
If you have a mental health disability and are considering applying for disability pay, start by visiting your local Social Security Administration office to speak with a representative. You’ll want to fill out the proper application forms, which include a disability benefit application form and a medical release form.
When applying, it can be helpful to work with an attorney who has disability claims experience. Some programs can also help individuals through the disability benefits application process.
Children or adults at risk of homelessness and have a severe mental illness, medical impairment, or co-occurring substance use disorder, for instance, may qualify for the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR). Under this program, case managers work closely with eligible individuals to help them secure SSI and SSDI benefits.
If Your Application Is Denied
An application may be denied for any number of reasons, including insufficient medical evidence, high income, or failure to follow prescribed treatment. If your application is denied, you can reapply or re-open your claim if your condition or circumstances have changed.
Once you receive disability pay, you will generally continue to receive benefits for as long as you’re considered disabled. So, don’t let the stress of applying stop you from getting the financial support you need.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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