Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition recognized by several government organizations as a disability.
Individuals with PTSD are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from discrimination and also may be eligible for financial support through the Social Security or Veterans Health Administration if symptoms limit occupational and social functioning [1].
If you or someone you love struggles with PTSD or another disability (see SSA website for full list), you may be eligible for disability benefits and important support services. These are designed to provide financial stability and access to healthcare when symptoms or impairments prevent you from working or engaging fully in daily life.
Understanding your rights and the application process can make it easier to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
Decades of Progress: Disability Rights and Protections Under the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 and protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, and access to public spaces.
Before the introduction of landmark laws and social services such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Social Security Administration (SSA), many individuals with disabilities faced barriers such as [2]:
- Legal Discrimination: Jobs, housing, health services, landlords, and even stores could legally refuse service to those with disabilities just because of their condition.
- Lack of Public Access: Public transportation, hospitals, libraries, workplaces, and schools lacked wheelchair ramps or lifts. Public accommodations did not exist.
- Communication Barriers: Blind or deaf individuals lacked accessible formats for important information and documents, making it hard to do things many people with impairments can do quite easily today, such as pay bills or vote.
The ADA defines disability as those with physical or mental impairments that limit major life activities, such as those with PTSD, intellectual disabilities, vision or hearing impairment, limited mobility, or musculoskeletal disorders, and hundreds of other physical or mental health diseases that make it difficult to function [2].
In the workplace, the ADA requires employers to make reasonable accommodations, such as adjusting work schedules or providing time off for treatment, and an individual cannot be fired simply based on the fact that they have a mental or physical health disorder.
Is PTSD A Disability?
Yes, PTSD is classified by the ADA, Social Security Administration (SSA), and US Department of Veterans Affairs as a disability if it interferes with daily occupational or social functioning.
The SSA, which regulates who receives benefits, also recognizes PTSD as a disability under the category of “trauma and stressor-related disorders”[3]. With documented medical proof that your PTSD affects job functioning, you may be eligible for financial support.
Medical documentation of the following is usually requested:
- Exposure to death, serious injury, or violence
- Frequent, involuntary re-experiencing of the trauma, such as flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma
- Mood disturbance, behavioral challenges, arousal or reactivity symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, or insomnia.
Disability Benefits You Qualify For with PTSD
There are typically two types of Social Security Disability benefits you can qualify for with PTSD. Each of these programs has its own set of rules and considers the severity of your condition, your treatment history, medical documentation, and your current income. If you are a veteran, your process is handled by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (see below).
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
If you have been working for an extended period of time (often 5 out of the last 10 years, though exact requirements vary by age) and paying into Social Security taxes, you may be eligible for SSDI.
The SSA uses a 5-step evaluation process to confirm the severity of PTSD, its impact on your work ability, and whether you can perform substantial gainful activity (SGA).
You typically need to show that your disorder affects your ability to perform basic occupational activities, such as walking, standing, lifting, seeing, hearing, speaking, understanding, and carrying out simple instructions, and to respond appropriately to supervision or typical work situations.
In 2025, the SGA is defined as earning over $1,620 a month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, benefits are usually denied, and you may be a better candidate for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) [4].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The SSI programs help those with low income, few resources, and those with disabilities get benefits even if they have not paid into SSA taxes or have no work history. To receive SSI, you must have medical documentation that proves PTSD makes it hard to work for at least a year, and generally must earn less than $2,019 per month [5].
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA provides support and approves any benefits for veterans with PTSD. Benefits may be determined based on a disability rating scale of 0% to 100%, with each rating corresponding to a different level of functional impairment.
Veterans who struggle to work with PTSD due to trauma directly related to their service, may be eligible for Individual Unemployability (IU), which grants them a 100% disability rating regardless of whether their symptoms meet medical criteria [1].
How to Apply
To apply for disability benefits, you can do so in person at your local SSA office, by phone, with a case manager if you have one, or online. For veterans, contact your local VA hospital or regional office.
Have these documents ready:
- Medical Documentation: Medication history, records of therapy, and psychiatric assessments.
- Employer Statement: Can be from a current or previous employer documenting how your symptoms affect your performance or functioning in the workplace.
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): An assessment from a mental health professional that determines the level of social and occupational functioning.
- Other Reports: Police reports, hospital stays, statements from caseworkers or previous health providers, letters from loved ones
- Proof of Service for Veterans: Documentation of when you served, including incident reports.
- Ongoing Treatment Plans or Progress Reports
Small mistakes in documentation are the most common reasons for denial. It’s best to consult with a disability lawyer who can often provide free services through community resources to help those in need file their claims.
*Please be aware that due to the October 2025 U.S. government shutdown, SSA and VA disability benefits applications and some services may experience delays or pauses. Existing benefit payments are set to continue, but processing times for new claims or specific requests may be slower. Stay informed and check official updates regularly.
Helping Individuals with PTSD Find The Support They Deserve at Harper Clinic, Utah
Harper Clinic Utah is committed not only to healing but also to empowering those affected by PTSD and trauma through education about disability rights and available support.
Our functional medicine approach addresses the root causes of mental health challenges, combining evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and Somatic Experience with holistic wellness practices like Reiki and massage. By integrating these treatments, we help reset the nervous system and promote true emotional healing.
Alongside compassionate care, we guide you through understanding your benefits and protections, ensuring you have the tools to advocate for yourself and access the support you deserve for lasting recovery and improved quality of life.
Connect with us at Harper Clinic Utah today.
Sources
[1] US Department of Veterans Affairs. 2025. VA Disability Compensation.
[2] ADA. 2020. Guide to Disability Rights Laws.
[3] Social Security Administration. 2025. Listing of Impairments – Adult Listings Mental Disorders.
[4] Social Security Administration. 2025. Disability Evaluation Under Social Security.
[5] SSA. 2025. Supplemental Security Income (SSI).