Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be a debilitating condition that affects many aspects of life. The Social Security Disability Insurance program recognizes severe OCD as a disability. However, qualifying for benefits is not automatic and depends on certain criteria.
Explore the factors that the Social Security Administration considers when determining eligibility for SSDI for OCD.
Understanding the SSDI requirements for OCD
The SSA maintains a listing of impairments, known as the Blue Book, that outlines criteria for various medical conditions. For OCD, the SSA looks at the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your ability to work. To be eligible, your OCD must significantly interfere with your daily life, social functioning and ability to complete tasks on time.
Proving the severity of your condition
You need to provide comprehensive medical evidence to show that your OCD is severe enough to meet the SSDI requirements. Medical documents can include a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist, a detailed description of your symptoms and documentation of treatments you have tried, and their effects. You also need to provide evidence of how OCD affects your ability to work.
Meeting the work credit requirement
In addition to medical eligibility, you must also meet the SSA’s work credit requirement. The SSA calculates work credits based on your annual wages or self-employment income. The number of work credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled.
The role of the residual functional capacity assessment
If your OCD does not meet the specific criteria in the Blue Book, the SSA will conduct a residual functional capacity assessment. This evaluation determines the most you can do despite your OCD. The SSA will assess your mental limitations, such as your ability to understand, remember or apply information; interact with others; and manage yourself.
While you can potentially secure SSDI for obsessive-compulsive disorder, thorough medical documentation is essential to substantiate your claim. Every case is unique and the SSA reviews each application individually.
