Step 1: Confirm Qualifying Mental Health Disorders

In Ohio, eligible mental health conditions include:

• Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and severe anxiety disorders.
• Conditions must markedly limit daily functioning or work ability.
• Diagnosis and treatment must be documented by licensed mental health professionals.

Step 2: Meet the SSA Duration and Severity Standards

Your mental illness must:

• Have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 consecutive months.
• Be supported by consistent medical records, therapy notes, and treatment history.
• Significantly restrict your ability to perform work-related activities.

Step 3: Fulfill Work Credit Requirements

Ensure you have:

• Sufficient Social Security work credits earned through paying into the system.
• The number of credits needed depends on your age at onset of disability.
• Generally, 20 credits earned in the last 10 years are required for most adults.

Step 4: Prepare for SSA’s Functional Capacity Evaluation

The SSA will:

• Review all medical and psychological evidence related to your condition.
• Assess your mental residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine if you can perform any type of work.
• Consider whether your symptoms prevent you from maintaining employment.

Common Reasons Ohio SSDI Applications Are Denied

Watch out for these issues:

• Incomplete or inadequate medical documentation from mental health providers.
• Failing to demonstrate that your condition is severe and long-lasting.
• Missing SSA-ordered consultative examinations.
• Insufficient work credits or gaps in work history.