Borderline Personality Disorder and Disability

If you or a loved one lives with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), you know how overwhelming the symptoms can be. Mood instability, impulsive behavior, and challenges with relationships can make it nearly impossible to maintain consistent employment. Many people ask, “Can you get disability for Borderline Personality Disorder?” At The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., we’re here to help answer those questions and guide you through the Social Security Disability process.

Is BPD a Disability?

Yes, Borderline Personality Disorder can qualify as a disability under Social Security guidelines. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does recognize severe mental health conditions—including personality disorders—as valid bases for receiving disability benefits, either through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

However, approval is not automatic. You must prove that your BPD significantly limits your ability to function on a daily basis, especially in a work setting. That’s where our firm comes in—to help build a compelling case and make sure your application is complete, accurate, and supported by medical evidence.

How BPD Affects Work and Daily Life

People with BPD often struggle with emotional regulation, extreme reactions, and interpersonal difficulties. These symptoms can lead to:

Frequent job changes or terminations
Difficulty maintaining focus or completing tasks
Episodes of depression or anxiety that interfere with work
Trouble interacting appropriately with coworkers or supervisors
Impulsive behaviors that can lead to conflict or safety concerns

When these issues persist despite treatment, they can prevent someone from holding a job consistently. In these cases, Borderline Personality Disorder disability benefits may be a lifeline.

Does Borderline Personality Disorder Qualify for Disability?

The SSA evaluates mental disorders using a specific section of its listing of impairments—often referred to as the “Blue Book.” While BPD is not listed by name, it typically falls under Section 12.08: Personality and impulse-control disorders.

To meet the listing, you must have a medically documented history of extreme limitations in behavior, cognition, or emotional control that significantly impact:

Understanding and applying information
Interacting with others
Concentrating or maintaining pace
Adapting or managing oneself

If your condition doesn’t meet this exact listing but still prevents you from working full-time, you may still qualify based on a residual functional capacity (RFC) evaluation, which considers how your condition affects your ability to perform basic job duties.

Can You Get Disability for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Yes—but only if your claim is thoroughly documented. The SSA will not simply accept a diagnosis as enough proof. You must show that your BPD results in serious and ongoing limitations. Documentation may include:

Psychiatric records and therapy notes
Documentation of hospitalizations or crisis interventions
Statements from mental health providers
Testimony from family, friends, or coworkers
Records of prescribed medications and your response to treatment

Our experienced attorneys know how to collect and present this information to strengthen your claim. We’ve helped hundreds of individuals with complex mental health conditions successfully secure disability benefits.

Why Choose Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates?

Navigating the Social Security system can be confusing, frustrating, and emotionally draining, especially when you’re already struggling with a mental health condition. That’s why it’s so important to work with a law firm that focuses exclusively on disability law.

At The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, we bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of what the SSA looks for in approving a claim for Borderline Personality Disorder disability. We offer:

Free consultations to evaluate your case
Personalized support throughout the application and appeals process
Clear explanations of what you need to do and what we handle for you
Strong relationships with local medical providers and expert witnesses
A contingency fee model—you don’t pay unless we secure benefits for you

Let us take the pressure off your shoulders so you can focus on your health and your future.

When to Apply for Disability with BPD

You should consider applying for disability as soon as your BPD prevents you from maintaining steady work. If you’ve been out of work for at least 12 months—or expect to be—you may be eligible. The application process can take several months, and many first-time claims are denied due to a lack of documentation or misunderstanding of SSA criteria.

Don’t wait until your financial situation becomes critical. The earlier we can get started, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Denied Your Disability Claim for BPD?

If your application for Borderline Personality Disorder disability has already been denied, don’t lose hope. Most initial claims are denied, especially those based on mental illness. But with experienced legal help, many are approved on appeal.

We’ll review your denial letter, identify any weaknesses in your application, gather the missing evidence, and represent you at your appeal hearing. Our attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and getting you the support you deserve.

Let Us Help You Through the Process

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder is challenging enough. Dealing with the bureaucracy of Social Security shouldn’t add to your burden. Whether you’re just starting your application or need help after a denial, our team is ready to help.

Call Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates at (847) 299-0008 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients throughout the U.S. There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if you do.

Take the First Step Toward Stability

If you’re wondering, “Is Borderline Personality Disorder a disability?” or “Does BPD qualify for Social Security benefits?”—the answer is yes, but only if your application is strong and well-supported.

Let our experienced legal team help you get the benefits you deserve. We’re here to listen and advocate for you.

Don't fight alone! Ease the Stress and avoid mistakes.

Why Our Clients Trust Us

I want to thank the Rabin legal team for their outstanding support since 2022 in helping Lindsay successfully getting through the SSI application, appeal(s), and finally approval process.

Everyone on your team has been extremely helpful, patient, professional, and diligent in working through this long and arduos process. The fact that Lindsay's file had approximately 3000 pages clearly shows the amount of time, work, and thoroughness the Rabin team has done for Lindsay. My wife, Lindsay and I cannot thank each of you enough for the support you have provided through this process. The SSI decision is a key step in Lindsay's continued progress in working through her disability. The positive outcome of yesterday's hearing clearly shows how your team's collective efforts over several years provided the information needed to have SSI approve the appeal. Thanks again to each and every one of you for your support.

Bill and Karen C

Chicago, IL

My experience with Jeffrey A Rabin has been very good.

My approval of Social Security disability benefits came much quicker than I had expected. I first met with an associate on April 16, 2020 and we filed my application on May 21, 2020. My application was approved on August 3, 2020, only around a four month process. Even though we were at the beginning of this coronavirus outbreak when we started, it was easy to contact them and complete this process.

David Janis

Thank you so much for all you and the staff have done for me.

It meant a lot to me every time I called and whoever I talked to knew all about my case. It was wonderful that I didn’t get pushed from one person to another. Your staff was always happy; they acted like they personally know me. But most of all I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW FAST YOU HAD MY CASE DONE. You and your staff really put a smile on my face. Thank you for doing what I couldn’t get done. Everyone will know Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associate

Eric Morris

This was an outstanding experience for me from my first appointment to the last.

This Law Firm was very professional kind and considerate of me and my disability. They knew exactly what it was like for me in the real world and absolutely essential to help me explain that and my disability to the Social Security Administration. I definitely could not have done this without them and they have changed my life for the better forever. In my eyes they are the best social security disability law firm in Chicago and the suburbs.

Steven Sidbeck

I filed for my disability and got denied twice. So I decided that I needed help of a lawyer.

I began to search and in the process of me searching I always look @ the reviews if I see more bad than good reviews I move on to the next, but not with these guys I didn’t they helped me thru the whole process and assured me if there was a problem or concern I had to reach out and they would help me anyway they could, I dealt with with a few ppl there in the office I must say from the receptionist down to the paralegals they are awesome...

Danielle Sanders

I wanted to say thank you for everything that you did for me, I greatly appreciate it.

You believed in me when a lot and social security did not. I was a risk for you to pay for my medical records, not knowing if you would win, if I had not won you would have been out of a lot of money and time. I have known other attorney’s, and have worked with them in the past, but they are nothing like you! You are a very kind generous human being with compassion. I pray that God will bless you practice and make you very successful ...

Patricia M.