Does Eating Disorders Qualify for Disability?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions — such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder — that significantly affect a person's relationship with food, body image, and overall health. SSA evaluates eating disorder claims under Blue Book Listing 12.13, which requires meeting both a set of medical criteria (Part A) and a set of functional limitation criteria (Part B). Your records must show both that you have a diagnosed eating disorder and that it significantly limits your ability to function in daily life.
What SSA Considers
SSA evaluates eating disorders under Listing 12.13. To meet this listing, your claim must satisfy both Part A (medical documentation of the eating disorder, as described under SSA section 12.00B10) and Part B (evidence of serious functional limitations resulting from the condition). Both criteria must be met together — satisfying only one part is not sufficient to meet the listing.
What You Could Receive
National payment amounts across all disability programs — not specific to any condition. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,821/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement.
What If Your Condition Doesn't Match Exactly?
Many people qualify through a medical-vocational allowance, even when their condition doesn't exactly match a Blue Book listing. SSA considers your age, work history, symptoms, and functional limits together. Strong medical documentation is the key. Learn more about qualifying without an exact match →
Ready to Start Your Claim?
If you have Eating Disorders, the right medical documentation can make the difference. Get a free personalized Approval Guide with a documentation checklist and next-step guidance for your claim.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You'll Need to File
- Records from a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist) documenting your eating disorder diagnosis
- Treatment history showing the duration and severity of your condition, including hospitalizations or inpatient/residential treatment stays
- Medical records from your primary care physician or specialist documenting physical complications related to your eating disorder (e.g., nutritional deficiencies, cardiac issues, bone density loss)
- Psychiatric or psychological evaluations that assess how your condition affects your ability to function
- Therapy or counseling notes that describe the frequency, intensity, and persistence of your symptoms over time
- Any records of emergency room visits or crisis interventions related to your eating disorder
- A detailed statement from a treating provider describing how your symptoms limit your ability to work or perform daily activities
Frequently Asked Questions (5)
What types of eating disorders does SSA consider under Listing 12.13?
SSA evaluates eating disorders as described under section 12.00B10 of the Blue Book. This can include conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, provided you have a documented diagnosis from a qualified medical source.
Do I have to meet both Part A and Part B to qualify under Listing 12.13?
Yes. Listing 12.13 requires that your claim satisfy both the medical documentation requirements (Part A) and the functional limitation requirements (Part B). Meeting only one part is not enough to meet this specific listing.
What if my eating disorder doesn't meet the listing — can I still get benefits?
SSA may still evaluate your claim through other steps in the disability process, including a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment, which looks at what work you are still able to do despite your condition. An eating disorder that doesn't meet a listing may still support a disability finding through this process.
Can co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety be considered alongside my eating disorder?
SSA can consider the combined effects of multiple impairments when evaluating your claim. If you have a co-occurring condition, your records for all diagnosed conditions should be submitted as part of your application.
How long does my eating disorder need to have lasted to qualify for disability benefits?
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, your condition must have lasted — or be expected to last — at least 12 consecutive months, or be expected to result in death. Your medical records should document the duration and ongoing nature of your symptoms.
Blue Book Listing Reference
Related Conditions
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