Step 1: Establish a Recognized Mental Health Diagnosis

To qualify for SSDI in Oregon with a mental health disability, your condition must be:

• Diagnosed by licensed mental health professionals with conditions such as major depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or schizophrenia.
• Severe enough to interfere with work-related activities and daily life functions.
• Consistently documented through therapy notes, hospitalizations, and medication history.

Step 2: Meet the SSA’s Duration and Severity Criteria

Your mental health condition should:

• Last or be expected to last at least 12 months, or be a terminal condition.
• Result in marked limitations in understanding, concentration, persistence, or adaptation.
• Be supported by ongoing clinical evaluations and psychiatric assessments.

Step 3: Fulfill Work Credit Requirements in Oregon

Eligibility also depends on having:

• Sufficient work credits earned by paying into Social Security taxes.
• The number of credits needed varies based on your age at disability onset.
• Most adults require approximately 20 credits from the past 10 years.

Step 4: SSA’s Functional Capacity Assessment

The SSA will:

• Review your medical records and mental health status reports to determine disability impact.
• Evaluate your ability to perform work-related tasks like concentration and social interaction.
• Determine if you are capable of any type of employment, not just your previous job.

Common Barriers to Approval

Beware of these common reasons for denial:

• Lack of comprehensive mental health records and treatment documentation.
• Conditions that are mild, temporary, or inadequately supported.
• Failure to participate in SSA-required consultative exams.
• Insufficient Social Security work credits or unclear employment history.