Is It Difficult to Get Disability Benefits for Depression?
Published on April 23rd, 2019 by Eric Slepian
Depression is a debilitating mental health condition that can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to work and function in daily life. Unfortunately, getting disability benefits for depression can be a challenging process, even for those with a clear diagnosis and a long history of treatment.
One reason that it is difficult to obtain disability benefits for depression is that the symptoms of depression are often subjective and difficult to measure. Unlike a physical disability that can be easily documented with medical tests and imaging studies, depression is often diagnosed based on a patient’s self-reported symptoms and the observations of a medical professional.
Furthermore, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires extensive documentation of the severity and duration of the depression, as well as proof that the condition significantly impacts the person’s ability to work. This means that a person with depression must provide extensive medical records and other evidence to support their claim.
Lastly, as with all disability claims, the person filing the claim must be able to prove the disability caused by depression has, or is expected to last for 12 months or longer and inhibits their ability to obtain gainful employment.
Increase Your Chances of Obtaining Benefits
To increase the chances of obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for depression, it is essential to have a strong medical record that supports the diagnosis and demonstrates the severity of the condition. This means that you should be seeing a mental health professional regularly and keeping detailed notes on your symptoms and how they impact your daily life.
It is also crucial to follow through on your treatment plan and take any prescribed medications as directed. Failure to do so can lead the SSA to question whether you have truly exhausted all options for treating your depression and may reduce your chances of obtaining benefits.
In addition to working with your mental health professional, it is helpful to obtain written statements from family members about how your depressed mood affects you. If possible, obtaining statements from past employers about how you were unable to work due to your depression and how it affected you may also help you qualify for SSDI.
Finally, it can be incredibly helpful to work with an experienced disability attorney who can guide you through the process and help you present the strongest possible case for obtaining disability for depression. An attorney can help you gather the necessary medical documentation and make sure that your application is complete and accurate.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining Social Security disability benefits for depression can be a challenging process, but with the right support and documentation, it is possible to secure the benefits you need to manage your condition and live a fulfilling life. By working with an experienced disability attorney, you can increase your chances of success and get the help you need to navigate this complex process.
