Can you get long term disability for mental illness?
John Peck
Updated on April 01, 2026
Benefits Available for Mental and Nervous Disorders. Most long term disability polices covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security of 1974 (ERISA) limit benefits to one or two years for disabilities caused or contributed to by mental illness. Some policies do not define mental illness at all.
Does depression count for long term disability?
Unlike long term disability policies, the Social Security Administration does not limit claims based on depression and anxiety. This means even if your long term disability benefits end, you can continue to receive Social Security Disability benefits based solely on mental health issues.
Is chronic depression a disability?
Currently, the law considers the effects of an impairment on the individual. For example, someone with a mild form of depression with minor effects may not be covered. However, someone with severe depression with significant effects on their daily life is likely to be considered as having a disability.
What is the most disabling mental disorder?
Schizophrenia and personality disorders are the most disabling mental health conditions to live with, according to Queensland Brain Institute’s Professor John McGrath.
Can you get disability for severe anxiety and depression?
Because having severe depression or anxiety can make it impossible for an individual to work or to earn a living, people with both severe depression and severe anxiety (a common combination) may be able to collect disability through the Social Security Administration’s disability insurance program (SSDI) or the …
Is being mentally ill a disability?
Mental illness is a disability when it disrupts performance and negatively influences a person’s day-to-day activities. The degree and extent that a person’s functioning is impaired is another important factor in defining mental health disability.
Can you get disability for severe anxiety?
Generalized anxiety disorder and other forms of severe anxiety are often long-term, can be diagnosed by a doctor, and can limit someone from engaging in substantial gainful activity. As long as your condition meets those requirements, it will considered a disability according to Social Security law.
Is bipolar considered a disability?
Bipolar disorder is considered a disability under the ADA, just like blindness or multiple sclerosis. You may also qualify for Social Security benefits if you can’t work.