Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Depression is more than just feeling “down in the dumps” for a few days. It is a serious medical condition that can have a profound effect on your ability to function in your everyday life.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIMH), it affected more than 17.3 million adults in 2017. It represents approximately 7.1% of all U.S. adults in 2017. Every year the numbers seem to grow. Depression can happen at any age, but it often begins in the teens or early 20s.
Depression is a mood disorder that can cause a person to suffer persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and more. As a result of such feelings, people suffering from depression often experience fatigue or low energy.
Depression can become so severe that a person may not be able to concentrate on work or carry out routine daily activities. One of the more common symptoms of depression is a lack of interest in things that were previously enjoyed.
You may think that depression is a normal part of life, but it’s not. Depression is a real medical condition that you can get disability benefits for from Social Security. In order to get disability benefits for depression, your depression must be so severe that it significantly limits your ability to work.
Click here for more detailed insights on the eligibility requirements, how to apply for the benefits, and how to get disability benefits.
Who Is Eligible To Receive Social Security Disability Benefits For Depression?
Depression can be short-lived or it can continue for weeks or months. Some people suffer from situational depression due to major life events, such as separation or divorce, or the loss of a loved one. This is not out of the ordinary and usually passes in time.
Others suffer from clinical depression, which is a more serious condition that can last for years. An episode of clinical depression may be brought on by a chemical imbalance in the brain, or it may have no known cause. This type of depression is often recurrent, meaning it comes back even after you’ve received treatment and your symptoms have resolved.
People who are clinically depressed may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Depression can be as disabling as any physical ailments. Mental health conditions like depression can restrict a person’s ability to earn a living or their family life and the ability to maintain healthy relationships. Severe clinical depression can lead a person to be bedridden, or worse, suicidal.
Eligibility Criteria For Social Security Disability Benefit
If you are unable to work because of your depression, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. To qualify for benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disabled.
To Be Eligible For Disability Benefits For Depression, Your Depression Must:
- significantly limit your ability to work; and
- be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
The SSA will rate the degree of an individual’s functional limitation based on how the depression affects their ability to work. The SSA will consider:
- what, if any, medications you take for your depression;
- whether you receive counseling or therapy;
- how well you are able to function in social situations; and
- your capacity to concentrate, remember, or follow instructions.
The SSA will also consider your age, education, and work experience when making a determination of disability. For example, if you are over the age of 50, have a limited education, and little work experience, you may be found disabled even if your depression is not as severe as someone who is younger, better educated, and has a longer work history.
If you are not sure whether you meet the SSA’s definition of disabled, a disability lawyer or advocate can help you. An experienced attorney will know how to build a strong case for you and help you get the benefits you deserve.