Can I receive disability for my mental health condition? I need help understanding/applying for SSI/SSDI/Medicaid/Medicare.

You may wish to start by visiting NAMI’s Understanding Health Insurance webpage, which explains the basics and can help you to begin navigating the system successfully. You may also wish to consult the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) page of NAMI’s website, which provides an overview of each type of disability assistance and an explanation of who qualifies. Information on both forms of disability can be found on the website of the Social Security Administration at Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits and Disability Benefits (SSDI). 

For many families, applying for disability benefits like SSI and SSDI is the first step to accessing other community services and programs. Qualifying for disability benefits typically qualifies people for public health insurance coverage under Medicare or Medicaid. For many county services, being qualified by the Social Security Administration for disability income and receiving Medicaid and/or Medicare is a primary consideration for service eligibility. If a person is receiving disability income, their housing and services are often covered monthly by no more than a payment of one-third of their monthly disability income. More options for private, long-term care may be available to families who can pay out of pocket for those services. 

You can apply for SSI/SSDI through your local Social Security office. Click here to find your local Social Security Administration office. You can also apply online through the Social Security Administration website or contact them at (800) 772-1213.  

Navigating the Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) application process can be challenging. If you run into challenges during the application process or if you feel you were unfairly denied, follow up directly with your local Social Security office. Other resources to help you understand SSI/SSDI benefits, appeal a decision if you have been denied SSI/SSDI or address concerns about a representative payee are included below. 

Appealing a Denied SSI/SSDI Claim

Disability Payee Concerns

  • National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)/State Protection and Advocacy partners with the Social Security Administration to investigate claims from disabled individuals who receive disability income when they believe a “Representative Payee’ is mismanaging their money.  State agencies will investigate complaints. 
  • The Social Security Administration website provides information about the Representative Payee Program and common questions you may have about why you have a payee, how your payee should handle your money, and steps for appealing a decision to have your benefits sent to a representative payee. If you have questions, call Social Security's toll-free number at (800) 772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. M-F. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call their TTY number at 800-325-0778. 

Finally, if you have questions or concerns about Medicaid and Medicare eligibility or benefits, contact the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) or call (800) 633-4227. Many people have also secured Medicare and Social Security assistance through the Medicare Rights Center, which provides their MRC Consumer Hotline at (800) 333-4114. 

Hours of operation Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. EST 

Call: 800-950-NAMI (6264) 

Text: 62640 

Webchat: www.nami.org/help  

Email: helpline@nami.org

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