Step 1: Identify Eligible Mental Health Conditions

To qualify for SSDI in New Jersey with a mental health disability, consider:

• Recognized diagnoses include major depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
• Limitations in daily living or work skills caused by your condition should be clear and ongoing.
• Professional medical records and clinical notes supporting your diagnosis are essential.

Step 2: Fulfill SSA Duration and Severity Rules

Your mental health condition must:

• Persist for at least 12 months or be expected to last that long.
• Show significant functional impairments verified by licensed mental health providers.
• Include documentation on symptoms impacting your ability to work effectively.

Step 3: Meet Work History Requirements

Eligibility also requires:

• Accumulating sufficient work credits by contributing to Social Security through employment.
• The exact number of credits depends on your age at disability onset.
• Most adults need about 20 credits earned in the last 10 years.

Step 4: Application and Evidence Review

During your SSDI evaluation:

• The SSA examines medical evidence to confirm your mental health impairment.
• Functional capacity assessments determine if you can adjust to other work.
• The decision weighs your treatment records and symptoms carefully.

Common Challenges Affecting Approval

Be mindful of potential denial causes:

• Lack of detailed documentation from mental health professionals.
• Conditions that don’t meet severity thresholds required by the SSA.
• Failing to attend SSA-ordered consultations or exams.
• Insufficient work credits to qualify for benefits.