Does Depression Qualify for Social Security Disability?

Under some circumstances, depression can qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits. However, you must show that your depression is so severe, chronic, and long-lasting that you cannot work for at least a year.

The Social Security Administration will consider your medical records, opinions from your doctors, and other evidence that shows how your symptoms affect your daily life when determining if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Social Security Income (SSI).

Continue reading to learn more about this topic and get answers to many related frequently asked questions (FAQs). 

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits for Depression?

Fortunately for many with depression, medications often provide relief from their symptoms quickly. Once they find the right medication and dosage, they may be able to return to many of their previous daily activities. If your doctor can prescribe you effective medication and you can return to work, you might not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

Sometimes, medication is ineffective, stops working after a short period, or the depression continues to cause extreme limitations for other reasons. If this happens to you, you may have a valid claim for Social Security Disability benefits. You would have to show that your symptoms are so severe that you will be unable to work for at least 12 months to qualify. However, there is no need to wait until you are off work for one year. You can get started right away. 

How does the Social Security Administration Classify Depression?

Everyone who suffers from a depressive disorder experiences different symptoms at various levels of severity. It is not enough for you to claim that you deal with such a debilitating disorder. The Social Security Administration Blue Book requires you to provide medical documentation that you suffer from at least five of the following major depression symptoms:

• Depressed mood
• Trouble sleeping
• Low energy levels
• Suicidal thoughts
• Loss of interest in most activities
• Appetite disturbance that is apparent in your loss or gain of weight
• Slowed motor skills
• Decreased focus and thinking, affecting your mental functioning

 In addition, the Social Security Administration consider the following criteria: 

• You are extremely limited in at least two of these areas: comprehending and applying information, interacting with other people, adapting to a new environment, and/or keeping attention.
• Medical documentation shows that your depression is “serious and persistent,” and you have been undergoing treatment for your mental health condition. You also have a hard time getting into a new routine and adapting.

You could still qualify for SSDI and/or SSI based on your medical conditions, even if you do not meet the above criteria. Sometimes, clinical depression, along with other medical conditions and medical treatments, could prevent you from working even if you do not have all the symptoms listed. When this occurs, the SSA might decide your case based on your Residual Functional Capacity and the available medical evidence. 

The Social Security Administration requires applicants to have their doctor or psychologist fill out the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. This document is to provide more details about your condition and limitations to determine if you can work a job in their previous field or any job they might qualify to work.

Deciding what Kind of Social Security Benefits You Qualify to Receive

If you have depression, you may qualify for one or both types of Social Security Disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program has its own application and qualifications. 

SSDI is for workers who cannot work because of their disabling condition; including mental health disorders, such as severe depression. To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the health criteria and have enough work credits. Generally, you need to have worked 5 of the last 10 years. Younger workers may need fewer work credits than older workers. You earn these credits by working and paying into Social Security. 

SSI, on the other hand, is for those whose household income and resources are extremely low. You must qualify based on the health criteria and meet the current SSI limits. However, there is no work requirement for SSI benefits.  

 Some people can apply for and receive both SSDI and SSI benefits. 

How a Social Security Disability Lawyer with Our Firm Can Help You

It can be difficult to prepare, file, and fight for your SSD benefits on your own, especially while continuing your mental health therapy and managing daily living. Let the Social Security Disability lawyers at Berger and Green manage your case and help you seek the benefits you need.

We can: 

• Advise you on your options
• Determine which benefits you qualify for
• Go over the claims process with you
• Manage your initial claim
• Help you file an appeal if your initial claim was denied
• Request a hearing for reconsideration
• Represent you in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) 
• Continue to navigate the appeals process as necessary 
• Meet deadlines set by the SSA

If you’re worried about the price of retaining our services after reading what we can do for you, don’t be. Berger and Green operates on a contingency fee basis. We don’t collect an upfront or hourly fee from you. We only charge a fee if you are awarded benefits. 

We Have 40 Years of Experience Working for Clients Like You

At Berger and Green, our Social Security Disability lawyers will work to get you the benefits you need to navigate the difficulties that your depression and mental health condition imposes on you and your family. When clients in a situation similar to yours come to us, they have been happy with the outcome.

They have noted:

• “I was just so impressed by the amount of knowledge [my attorney] knew about my case and about me. It was just overwhelming how much work she put into it.” – John
• “And I’m so thankful for that, it’s like I can’t say enough, they really stepped in and made things happen for me. If you are in a situation where you are unsure of your future… they can step in and make things happen for you.” – Terry

Our team is ready to listen to your story and see how we can help you.

Connect with a Social Security Disability Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you are concerned about qualifying for Social Security Disability based on your depression symptoms, our team can help you file your claim or represent you throughout the appeals process if you are denied.

Call or text 412-661-1400 or complete our  free case evaluation form today.