Eating disorders are mental health conditions, but they do not always meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of a disability. Nevertheless, any eating disorder can be a debilitating condition that affects all aspects of your life, including the ability to work.
If you are dealing with an eating disorder, you might be wondering if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Here are answers that might provide some clarity.
Is an eating disorder a disability?
Not necessarily, but it can be a disability if it prevents you from working.
The SSA lists eating disorders as a qualifiable mental health condition. However, you must provide medical documentation of consistent patterns of food consumption that negatively impact your physical or mental health.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Significant limitation of food consumption
- Recurrent binge-eating episodes
- Extreme exercise to prevent weight gain
- Self-induced vomiting
You must also have an extreme limitation of one, or a distinct limitation of two, of the following mental functions:
- Understand, remember and use information
- Maintain focus and concentration on work activities
- Interact with others, such as coworkers
- Regulate emotions and maintain your own well-being in the workplace
Generally, the disorder must interfere with your ability to work so that you qualify for benefits. The SSA typically pays benefits to people unable to work for 12 months straight or more because of their disability.
Can the health consequences of your eating disorder help your claim?
Eating disorders often come with other mental and physical conditions. For example, the extreme restriction of food can lead to anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding and heart failure.
These conditions may qualify for disability benefits by themselves, which means SSA should consider them as well.
Should you receive or continue treatment?
Yes, it is highly advisable to start or continue treatment while applying for SSDI. Doing so could help you recover and eventually go back to the workforce.
If approved, the SSA will likely review your disability every two to three years. Continuing your treatment may demonstrate your need for continued benefits. Even if you go back to work and earn more than the maximum income for disability, your benefits will not stop immediately.
The application process for mental health conditions can be more complex than for physical disabilities. That said, consider working with an attorney who can help you every step of the way and improve your chances of approval.