Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Disability Benefits
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder that can make it difficult for people to work or maintain employment. People with OCD struggle with unwanted or intrusive thoughts, and often feel the need to do repetitive behaviors. The behaviors relieve distress in the short term, but reinforce the obsessions and compulsions over time.
If a person’s obsessive compulsive disorder interferes with their ability to work or maintain employment, they may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
Our team of disability advocates at National Disability Alliance is well-versed in handling Social Security disability claims for people with OCD. We can help you compile medical evidence, complete an initial application, or appeal a denied claim. To learn more, call our team at 833-693-4722.
On this Page
- Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder A Disability?
- What Are the Social Security Disability Requirements for OCD?
- Which SSA Listing Applies to OCD? (Listing 12.06)
- What Medical Evidence Is Needed for an OCD Disability Claim?
- Why OCD Disability Claims Are Often Denied
- Get Help Today With Your OCD SSDI or SSI Claim
Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder a Disability?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is considered a disability under the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments, otherwise known as the Blue Book.
Rough 1 in 43 (or 2.3%) American adults have a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Among adults with OCD, more than half (50.6%) experience serious impairment and another 34.8% experience moderate impairment in their lives.
One research study found that 69% of adults with OCD were also diagnosed with other disorders. The most common comorbidities among people with OCD were:
- Anxiety disorders
- Mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder)
- Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD
People with obsessive compulsive disorders that severely impact their ability to work may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Those with comorbid disorders may experience more severe impairments. In such cases, the Social Security Administration will evaluate how these combined disorders impact someone’s overall ability to work and gain an income.
What Are the Social Security Disability Requirements for OCD?
The Social Security Administration maintains a strict definition of disability. To determine if someone’s medical condition qualifies as a disability, the Social Security Administration uses a multi-step process based on the following questions:
- Are you currently working? If you are earning more than $1,690 per month on average ($2,830 if you are blind), you are considered capable of “substantial gainful activity” and would not qualify for benefits.
- Is your condition severe? Your ability to perform basic work-related tasks, such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting or remembering, must be impaired for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Is your medical condition in the Blue Book? The Social Security Administration confirms if your disability is listed in the Blue Book. If your disability is not listed, the Administration will determine if it is as severe as a comparable existing entry.
- Can you do any of your previous work? The Social Security Administration looks at your work history and determines if you can still perform any of that work.
- Can you transition into another line of work? The Administration will confirm if your medical condition, level of education and work history prevent you from doing any other occupation.
This Social Security disability criteria applies to both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While SSDI and SSI have important differences, they will have broadly similar determinations for whether an obsessive compulsive disorder rises to the SSA’s standard of a qualifying disability.
Which SSA Listing Applies to OCD? (Listing 12.06)
Yes, OCD can qualify as a disability under Social Security rules if it is severe, medically documented, and prevents you from sustaining full-time work. If you are applying with a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, the Social Security Administration will find your disorder in its Listing of Impairments (also known as the Blue Book), under Listing 12.06 – Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
A disability claim for obsessive compulsive disorder would have to meet the following criteria:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder, characterized by one or both:
- Involuntary, time-consuming preoccupation with intrusive, unwanted thoughts; or
- Repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety.
To establish the severity of the medical condition, a disability claim has to show extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself
Alternatively, a claimant can show a medically documented history of obsessive compulsive disorder over at least a two-year period, and proof of the following:
- Medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support, or a highly structured setting that is ongoing and diminishes symptoms and signs of a mental disorder.
- Marginal adjustment, or minimal capacity to adapt to changes in your environment or demands that are not already part of daily life.
What Medical Evidence Is Needed for an OCD Disability Claim?
If you have been treated for obsessive-compulsive disorder, the Social Security Administration will request medical records related to your treatment. These records are usually obtained from hospitals, clinics, mental health providers or any other facilities where you got treated for your disorder.
Even though the Social Security Administration can request these records directly from these facilities, providing copies of these records yourself can expedite the review of your disability claim. The Social Security Administration will generally look at proof of diagnosis and how your symptoms limit your ability to work.
Medical evidence used in OCD disability claims may include:
- Proof of diagnosis from a psychologist, psychiatrist or other clinician
- Therapy and treatment records, particularly for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy or other OCD-specific treatments.
- Prescription history for common OCD medications, such as Clomipramine or SSRI medications.
- Other OCD symptom documentation, such as mental health examinations or other clinical notes from your medical providers.
The Social Security Administration also needs to know how your symptoms may impact your daily life. This can look like:
- Difficulty concentrating in meetings or on work tasks
- Problems interacting with co-workers, supervisors or peers
- Excessive time spent on compulsive thoughts and behaviors
- Avoiding work tasks, objects or environments due to possible triggers
- Inability to adapt to change due to behavioral compulsions
- Absences from work due to anxiety or panic around your intrusive thoughts and compulsions
Your treatment providers should be able to provide statements explaining medical limitations that affect your ability to work.
Why OCD Disability Claims Are Often Denied
Most applications for disability benefits are denied at the initial level. According to Social Security Administration data, most initial SSDI and SSI claims are not approved, often due to technical reasons.
Social Security disability claims for obsessive compulsive disorders are denied for non-medical reasons, such as insufficient work credits or excess income. However, OCD disability claims are also commonly denied for the following medical and vocational reasons:
- The impairment is not considered “severe” under Social Security rules.
- The applicant can do their past work or transition into another occupation.
- Insufficient medical evidence of impairments.
The applicant is not following prescribed treatment for an acceptable reason. - Returning to work at a level that meets “substantial gainful activity” before a medical disability is established.
- Failure to cooperate with the Social Security Administration or develop the claim.
People with mental health conditions face unique barriers to providing proof of impairment. As a result, claims can be denied when the medical evidence does not sufficiently describe how mental health symptoms impact a person’s daily life.
If you have OCD and are applying for benefits or appealing a denial, talk to an experienced SSDI and SSI advocate that can help you gather the right medical evidence to support your claim.
Get Help Today With Your OCD SSDI or SSI Claim
The application process for disability benefits based on obsessive-compulsive disorders can be challenging. A disability benefits claim often requires thorough medical records, careful adherence to deadlines and strict criteria that can be hard for the general public to navigate.
You don’t have to face this process alone. A disability advocate can help you:
- Put together your work history
- Gather medical records for your claim
- Ensure that functional limits are accurately documented
- Navigate deadlines and requirements for an initial application
- Respond to informational requests from the Social Security Administration
- Appeal a denial of your disability claim
Contact National Disability Alliance today for a free case review. We provide nationwide support and services in English and Spanish for no out-of-pocket costs. We will guide you through every step and ensure a fair and thorough review of your disability claim.
Helpful Resources To Get You Started
Types of Disabilities
Learn which conditions qualify for SSDI and SSI – and how medical documentation plays a key role.
Types of Disabilities
Disability Benefits
Explore the benefits available through Social Security Disability and what you can expect to receive.
Disability Benefits
Application Process
A step-by-step look at how to apply for disability benefits – and how we can help simplify the process.
Application Process
FAQs
Have questions? Find quick answers to the most common disability questions we hear from applicants.
FAQs
