Is PTSD A Disability?

You may be eligible for three federal benefits programs: VA Disability Compensation, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Supplemental Security Income. The benefits available to you will depend on your work history, financial status, and military service.

Each program has its own eligibility criteria and benefits. Our knowledgeable disability attorneys can answer your questions about disability benefits and confirm your eligibility.

VA Disability for Veterans with PTSD

VA disability provides monthly, tax-free compensation to veterans who have an injury or illness caused or exacerbated by their military service, also known as service-connected conditions. To qualify for VA disability benefits for PTSD, you must have documentation proving you meet the following criteria:

• You have a confirmed PTSD diagnosis.
• Your diagnosis was caused or exacerbated by a traumatic event during your military service, known as a “stressor.”
• Your PTSD symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your ability to work.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs assigns a disability rating disability rating after examining the relevant medical records and establishing the severity of your disability. The more disabling your PTSD, the higher your rating. The VA then uses that rating to calculate the monthly compensation and access to other benefits. If you are totally disabled, your rating could be as high as 100 percent. You must have a rating of at least 10 percent to receive benefits.

As of 2025, the base monthly payment for a disabled veteran with PTSD and no spouse or child would be $175.31 with a 10% disability rating, with increasing amounts up to $3,974.15 for a 100% disability rating. These amounts are adjusted annually for inflation, and they may be greater if you have a dependent spouse or child.

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, for PTSD

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration for people who can no longer work because of a qualifying disability. SSDI pays monthly, tax-free benefits based on the recipient’s earnings history.

To qualify for SSDI benefits for PTSD, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Your PTSD is severe enough to keep you from performing any type of substantial gainful activity.
• Your PTSD will last at least a year.
• You have a sufficient work history and have paid enough into the system through payroll taxes.

When you work and have Social Security taxes, known as FICA, deducted from your paycheck, you earn work credits. You can earn up to four credits per year. If you are older than 40, you need at least 40 work credits, and you must have earned at least 20 of them within the last 10 years. The requirement is lower if you are younger. Your benefit amount is calculated based on your total earnings.

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI,  for PTSD

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a needs-based program administered by the Social Security Administration for individuals with limited resources who are blind, disabled, or 65 and older. SSi provides tax-free, monthly payments to support basic living expenses, regardless of the individual’s past work history.

To qualify for SSI based on PTSD, you must meet the following requirements:

• You are unable to earn a substantial income because of your PTSD.
• You have less than $2,000 in assets if you are single or $3,000 if you are a couple.
• Your income does not exceed the threshold, which is adjusted annually for inflation.

The 2025 income limit is $967 per month for an individual or $1,450 for a couple. These are also the maximum payment amounts. Your monthly payment is based on your income. Additional benefits are available if you need a caregiver. SSI is also available to children with disabilities.

It is possible to receive SSI at the same time as VA benefits or SSDI, as long as the money you receive from those programs does not raise your income above the limit. This is known as concurrent benefits.