The mental illness must be so disruptive to your life that it will cause you to be unable to work for a period of 12 months or longer. Furthermore, it has to prevent you from performing gainful employment and gainful activities. You’ll have to answer a questionnaire that the SSA will use to determine your eligibility. A disability lawyer in Knoxville can also help you if you receive an initial denial of your claim. Contact the law firm of Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC by visiting their website at https://drdisabilitylaw.com/ to talk to someone about your right to receive SSDI benefits for a mental illness.