Can You Get Disability Benefits for Depression

- Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/02/18 - Updated: 2023/10/10
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Psychological Disorders - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: When filing for Disability benefits for major depression you need to know what information the Social Security Administration considers.

Unlike physical impairments that can be proven with blood tests and x-rays, mental impairments are largely based on patient's complaints to mental health doctors.

The effect that depression has on a person's ability to function is crucial! Applicants must show that the depression is affecting daily function and that they are not contributing to the disability.

Introduction

About 19 million Americans live with major depression. Major depression can be debilitating and require medication, therapy, and treatment.

Main Item

For many, depression affects the ability to function and prevents people from holding a steady job. When filing for disability benefits for major depression, you must understand what information the Social Security Administration considers.

What Social Security is Looking For?

Depression must be severe: Unlike physical impairments that can be proven with blood tests and x-rays, mental impairments are largely based on patient's complaints to mental health doctors. To prove depression, one should:

Lack of treatment suggests that the person is able to manage the depression and that it is not severe. Do not contribute to impairment by avoiding care.

Records Must Show Symptoms

Records must be consistent and show that 4 of the following symptoms have continued to exist despite treatment:

Symptoms must persist for at Least 12 months. Valid claims for depression must show symptoms have lasted or will last at least 12 months.

Impact:

The effect that depression has on a person's ability to function is crucial. Applicants must show that the depression is affecting daily function and that they are not contributing to the disability.

Proving disability with mental impairments is often more difficult than physical disabilities.

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Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2011, February 18 - Last revised: 2023, October 10). Can You Get Disability Benefits for Depression. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 12, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/psychological/depression-disability-benefits.php

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