Can You Get Disability for Depression?
Yes, you can get disability benefits for depression. Depression is a serious mental health condition that can leave those who suffer from it unable to work. But depressive disorders that qualify for Social Security disability benefits are different from situational depressions.
Situational depression is a common response to the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, and other major life events. While these situations are undoubtedly painful, the most severe depressive symptoms often pass within a week or two. If you suffer from severe, daily symptoms for longer than two weeks, a medical professional might diagnose you with clinical depression.
Helping People Suffering From Depression
Depression can make it difficult to perform basic daily activities, let alone sustain gainful employment. At Jeffrey A Rabin & Associates, Ltd. we understand this and want to assist you in getting the help you need. We can help you file a disability claim for Social Security benefits from any of our five locations in northern Illinois.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago Social Security Disability attorney. You can contact us online or call us at 888-529-0600.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits for Depression
The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book outlines the various symptoms that qualify individuals to receive disability benefits. It outlines three sets of qualifications. The first of these requires medical documentation of at least five of the following symptoms:
- Depressed mood
- Diminished interest in almost all activities
- Appetite disturbance with change in weight
- Sleep disturbance
- Observable psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Decreased energy
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Additionally, the depression must be shown to be either extremely limiting to mental functioning OR “serious and persistent.”
To qualify as extremely limiting, the depression must interfere with information processing, interacting with others, concentration, or managing oneself. Two or more of these areas must be affected.
For depression to be considered “serious and persistent,” the disorder must persist for at least two years. You must also show evidence of ongoing treatment AND an inability to adapt to changes.
Components of a Successful Application
Even a diagnosis of a major depressive episode from a mental health professional doesn’t guarantee disability benefits. We still must provide the SSA with evidence that your mental condition is disabling. This evidence often includes:
- Personal testimony
- Medical and vocational histories
- Mental status evaluation(s)
- Psychological testing
We understand how difficult it can be to deal with depression. Its effect on concentration often makes gathering medical records seem impossible. But you don’t have to combat this mental illness alone. We can work with you and your doctor to document how this mental condition affects your ability to work.
We can help you decide whether it makes sense to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. And we’ll be there from the time of your initial consult until you receive benefits and beyond. Give us a call today so we can help you get the help you deserve.
