PTSD is considered a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can qualify for disability for PTSD if it meets a Blue Book trauma listing and impacts your ability to work full-time and your daily life.
The SSA’s Blue Book is the list of conditions that qualifies for disability. The listing that PTSD can be considered a disability for is under Trauma- and stressor-related disorders, which is in Listing 12.15 in the Blue Book for adults.
According to this section, you will need to demonstrate through evidence how PTSD impacts your mental function, mood, behavior, and more even with treatment.
If you have PTSD and you can match this section, the SSA can consider you disabled, and you will be able to earn PTSD disability benefits.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits with PTSD
1. Connecting with a Disability Attorney
When applying for disability benefits with PTSD, connecting with a disability attorney can greatly increase your chances of approval.
A disability attorney specializes in Social Security Disability claims and can offer expert advice for your situation.
They will help you understand the specific criteria the SSA uses to evaluate PTSD and guide you in gathering the necessary documentation.
If your initial claim is denied, your attorney will help in guiding you through the appeals process and make sure that your case is presented as strongly as possible. By working with a disability attorney, you can reduce stress and increase your chances of receiving the benefits you need.
2. Understanding PTSD Disability Criteria
There are many requirements that you’ll need to meet to be able to receive disability benefits for PTSD, including medical, work, and possibly financial requirements.
Medical Requirements: You can have a successful disability claim for PTSD, but for you to get disability for PTSD it needs to be properly medically documented.
This is because the successful completion of this step is likely one of the most important signs your disability claim will be approved. To medically qualify you will need to meet Blue Book Listing 12.15 - Trauma and stressor-related disorders listed below.
You must meet the requirements of Paragraph A and the requirements of either Paragraph B or Paragraph C.
Paragraph A states you must have medical documentation of all of the following:
A:
- You were exposed to actual or threatened violence, serious injury, or death;
- You now have involuntary re-experiencing of the traumatic event (dreams, flashbacks, etc.);
- You avoid of external reminders of the event;
- You experience a disturbance of your mood and behavior; and
You have increases in reactivity and in arousal.
In addition, you must meet the conditions of either paragraph B or C below:
B:You experience extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of 2 of the following:
understanding, applying information, or remembering; interacting with others; concentrating; and/or managing yourself
OrYou have medically documented your history of PTSD over at least 2 years and have evidence showing both:
treatments (medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support(s), or a highly structured setting(s)) that are on going and diminishes the symptoms and signs of PTSD; AND
You have minimal capacity to adapt to changes in your environment or to meet demand that are not already part of your daily life.
Work Requirements: For PTSD to be considered a disability by the SSA, you will need to meet the work requirements outlined by the SSA, as SSDI benefits are for those who at one point could work, but now can no longer because of a disability like PTSD. Work credits are calculated by your age and how long you have worked. If you have paid taxes into Social Security, you can earn work credits. You can earn up to four work credits for each year that you work.
Financial Requirements: If you are applying for SSDI, along with the work credits, you will need to meet financial requirements.
If you are working, you cannot make over the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,550 a month.
If you earn more than this, the SSA will not consider you disabled. If you are applying for SSI, you will not have a minimum number of work credits. Instead, the SSA will take into consideration your income and assets. For an individual, you cannot have more than $2,000 in income and assets while a couple cannot have more than $3,000.
Note: You can still apply for disability even if your PTSD does not meet the medical criteria. You can request a medical vocational allowance and have a Mental Residual Functional Capacity (MRFC) be filed out on your behalf. This will outline how your PTSD impacts your ability to work.
For specific tips on qualifying for disability with PTSD, click here.
3. Gather Medical Records & Supporting Documents
Obtaining in-depth medical records and supporting documents is crucial when applying for disability benefits for PTSD. Start by collecting copies of your medical records, including diagnostic reports, treatment histories, and detailed notes from mental health professionals who have treated your PTSD.
Documentation of any hospitalizations, therapy sessions, or medications prescribed for your condition is also crucial.
Also, gather statements from healthcare providers, therapists, or counselors that describe the impact of PTSD on your daily life and ability to work.
These statements should highlight how PTSD affects your functional abilities and your capacity to maintain employment, as this evidence will play a critical role in your application.
4. Complete & Submit Disability Application for PTSD
Post traumatic stress disorder cases are approved by SSA either by satisfying the criteria under Section 12.06 of the Blue Book, or by medical vocational allowance.
When presenting your PTSD disability claim, your medical records should include at least one detailed description of the anxiety reaction you experience.
That description should include the nature, duration, and frequency of the anxiety reaction and the effect(s) the anxiety reaction has on your ability to function. It should also include incidental factors that may cause or worsen the anxiety reaction.
In addition, this description should indicate whether the description of the anxiety reaction matches your doctor's own observations.
You will also need information about your past work history, W-2 form(s), your birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship, any awards letter or settlements you have received for other compensation-type benefits.
To make sure you have everything you need, use the SSA's Adult Disability Checklist. A disability lawyer will also ensure everything is filled out correctly and you have all the evidence you need.
Once everything is gathered, you can file for disability. You can file for disability with PTSD online, over the phone, or in person at a nearby SSA office.
5. Follow Up and Await Decision
After submitting your application, it’s important to follow up with the SSA to track the status of your claim. Regular communication with your disability attorney is also key, as they can provide updates on your application and advise you on the next steps.
Be prepared to respond immediately to any requests from the SSA for additional information or to attend a consultative exam. Staying engaged throughout the process helps ensure that your application continues moving forward without any delays.
6. Consider Appeal if Necessary
Your initial application for PTSD benefits may be denied at first as it’s very common to be denied on your first attempt.
The appeals process allows you to challenge your claim and offers another opportunity to get the benefits you need. Work closely with your disability attorney to file an appeal, as having legal representation significantly increases your chances of success.
During the appeals process, you may need to provide additional evidence or documentation to strengthen your case. This might include more detailed medical records or new statements from doctors that further display the severity of your PTSD and its impact on your life.
PTSD FAQs
How Hard Is It to Get Disability Benefits for PTSD?
Getting disability benefits for PTSD can be a challenging process due to the nature of the condition and the strict criteria set by the SSA.
PTSD, being a mental health disorder, often requires detailed medical documentation to show the severity and impact of symptoms on your ability to work.
The SSA looks for evidence that PTSD significantly affects your daily functioning, which can be difficult to prove compared to physical disabilities.
Claimants must also often prove that their PTSD sticks despite ongoing treatment and that it prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
Due to this, many PTSD claims are initially denied, which makes it essential to provide detailed medical evidence and, often, legal assistance to be successful in the process.
How Much Money Can You Receive From PTSD Benefits?
If you are awarded Social Security disability benefits because you have been diagnosed with PTSD and your symptoms are so severe that you can’t work, you could receive up to $3,882 per month in disability benefits in 2024.
The maximum disability benefit amount given by the Social Security Administration is $3,882 per month. However, the amount that you receive could be less based on factors that the SSA uses to determine benefit amounts. The average disability payment amount in most states is around $1,500. A disability lawyer will be able to tell you how much in disability you can get. Some of the factors that influence the amount of benefit that you are awarded include the following:
Work History: When you work you earn work credits from the SSA based on income.The SSA will consider how many work credits you’ve earned, how many years you’ve been working, and your age.
Level Of Disability: If your disability is temporary, you may receive a smaller benefit amount. If you are receiving benefits for a mental health condition like PTSD your benefit amount may be determined in part by your prognosis from a psychologist.
Family Help or Other Sources of Income: If you have investments, an annuity, a trust, or if your family helps pay for your living expenses that can impact the amount of the benefit that you receive.
Use our Social Security benefits calculator to see how much you could be able to earn in PTSD disability benefits.
Can I still work while applying for PTSD disability benefits?
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must stay below the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024. Exceeding this limit may disqualify you from receiving benefits.
How long does it typically take to receive a decision on a PTSD disability claim?
The initial decision process usually takes 3 to 6 months, but it can take longer if additional documentation is needed or if the claim goes through the appeals process.
Can I receive SSDI benefits for PTSD if I am also receiving VA disability benefits?
Yes, you can receive both SSDI and VA disability benefits for PTSD. However, each program has different eligibility criteria, so approval for one does not guarantee approval for the other.
What if I have other mental health conditions along with PTSD?
You should include all relevant mental health conditions in your application. The SSA will evaluate the combined effect of PTSD and any other conditions on your ability to work.
What are my options if I am unable to work due to PTSD but have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI?
If you don’t have enough work credits for SSDI, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need rather than work history.
