Can You Get Disability Benefits With Depression?

Depression is a mental disorder that can be extremely difficult to live with. It is very challenging to carry out even the most simple tasks and, in some cases, completely debilitating. According to estimates, 1 in 13 people in the United States is affected by major depressive disorder.

This raises the question of whether you can receive social security benefits for depression. The answer is yes, you can. However, doing so is certainly not easy or simple. There are various challenges that you may need to overcome. Consulting disability lawyers phoenix can help you.

Does depression qualify as a disorder for Social Security Disability?

Depressive disorder is a listed impairment in the Social Security disability Blue Book. Therefore, you can get SSDI benefits for depression, but not always. There are many different symptoms associated with depression, and most of them are debilitating. However, in order to enjoy the benefits, you must prove that your depression is forcing you to stay out of work.

According to the Social Security Administration, there are certain requirements you need to meet. You can find these requirements in the Blue Book as well. In a nutshell, you must show that you are suffering from at least five of the following symptoms.

• depressed mood
• difficulty concentrating or thinking
• thoughts of death or suicide
• decreased interest in almost all activities
• sleep disturbance (insomnia or oversleeping)
• feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• a slowing of physical movement and reactions

Additionally, you need to show documented evidence for the following symptoms:

• understanding, remembering, or applying the information to carry out and complete tasks.
• Inability to use knowledge to communicate with others.
• Concentrating on a particular task without getting distracted and completing it.
• Managing oneself.

What are the conditions to receive the benefits?

As stated before, merely being diagnosed with the condition is not enough to receive SSDI benefits. There are two conditions to receive the benefits.

1. You have been officially diagnosed with depressive disorder by a qualified physician.
2. Your depression is severe enough to interfere with your reasonable ability to work.

In other words, there are many people in the US that suffer from depression. However, they can still go to work, take care of their families, communicate with people in a healthy manner, etc. In order to qualify for the benefits, your condition must be so severe that you cannot even carry out the simplest of tasks, let alone work in a professional environment.

If you are unable to work because of your depression, you are entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. Although the requirements are stringent and can be challenging to meet, you should not have to bear the mental pressure of a job while struggling with a serious condition. Contact an attorney today to get started with the process.