Can I get disability benefits for depression?

 

Yes, you can get disability for depression if it is severe enough to prevent you from working. To qualify, you must provide medical evidence that your depression is a serious and persistent condition that significantly limits your ability to function, such as with understanding, remembering, concentrating, or interacting with others. You may need to meet specific criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or qualify under a Medical Vocational Allowance by having your doctor complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form.

 

How to qualify

• Meet the SSA criteria:

  • Provide medical evidence of depression, such as a depressed mood, decreased interest in activities, and trouble concentrating. 

  • Demonstrate how your condition limits your mental functioning. You must show either an extreme limitation in one of four areas, or a marked limitation in two of four areas:

    • Understanding, remembering, or applying information 

    • Interacting with others 

    • Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace 

    • Adapting or managing oneself 

• Qualify under a Medical Vocational Allowance:

  • If you don't meet the specific criteria, you may still qualify if you can prove your condition prevents you from doing your previous work and any other type of work. 

  • Your doctor will need to complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluation form to explain your limitations. The SSA will then consider your RFC, work history, and skills to determine if there is any other work you can do.

 

What to include in your application

• Medical records: 

  This is the most crucial part of your application and should include documentation of your diagnosis and symptoms. 

• RFC form: 

  Have your doctor complete the RFC form to detail how your depression impacts your ability to work. 

• Statements from others: 

  Gather statements from friends, family, or former co-workers who can attest to how your depression affects your daily life and ability to work. 

• Evidence of treatment: 

  Provide information on any treatments you have received, such as medication, therapy, or other interventions. 

 

Important considerations

• Legal assistance: 

  It can be beneficial to consult with a disability lawyer to improve your chances of approval, especially if your case is complex or has been denied before. 

• Applying for the right program: 

  Be aware that there are two main Social Security programs: SSDI (for those who have paid into the system) and SSI (a needs-based program). 

• "Gainful employment": 

  The key is that your condition makes it impossible for you to maintain "gainful employment," which is work that generates substantial income.