Can You Get Disability Benefits For Depression?

If you are battling the symptoms of depression you may find it difficult to concentrate or perform your regular work duties. You may fear you will lose your job or that you will never be able to hold down a full-time job again. You may even be wondering if you are qualified for Social Security Disability benefits due to your depression. Whether you qualify for disability benefits depends on the nature and length of your depression and how your symptoms affect your ability to hold a regular job.

The Nature of Your Depression

There are three major classifications of depression, with several other common conditions whose symptoms include depressive disorders. Understanding the classification of your depression and how that impacts your qualification for disability benefits is important to your success in filing a claim.

  • Situational Depression: Nearly everyone experiences depression at some point in their lifetime. For many, the symptoms of depression follow a stressful or traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one, loss of a job or other significant loss or trauma. This type of depression is often referred to as situational depression. The symptoms are generally short-lived and respond well to therapy. Situational depression typically does not qualify you for disability benefits because the impairment is short-lived. According to the Social Security Administration, a disabling condition must be expected to last for at least one year or be expected to culminate in your death.

  • Major Depression: This type of depression is a medical condition that persists for an extended period and is not dependent on situational triggers. It is long-lasting and can be difficult to treat, as no one therapy works for everyone. Major depression may be treated with medication, psychotherapy or other approved medical procedures, such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) or Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). Symptoms may improve , but relapses are common. Major depression may qualify you for disability benefits if the symptoms interfere with your ability to work.

  • Bipolar Depression: Like major depression, bipolar depression is a recognized disorder. It is treatable with medication and therapy, but there is no cure. Uncontrolled bipolar depression may qualify you for disability benefits.

  • Other Depressive Disorders: Other disorders such as Postpartum Depression, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Season Affective Disorder (SAD) may cause difficulties with symptoms of depression for short durations, but generally do not meet the qualifications of a recognized disability under the Social Security Disability rules.

Who Can Help Me with a Disability Claim?

There are several people who can help you with the paperwork and verification needed for your disability claim. The most common are:

  • Medical Doctor: Your primary care doctor will be asked to fill out forms verifying your symptoms and their severity.

  • Therapists: If you have participated in counseling or therapy for your depression, the attending medical staff can provide valuable information to verify the severity of your condition. This may include psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors.

  • Other Medical Professionals: If you have been hospitalized or have been seen by other medical staff for injuries or illnesses related to your depression, they can provide information too.

  • Spouse: You spouse can be a valuable source of information, particularly when assessing your daily living skills. It is vital your spouse answers questions honestly and gives as many details as possible.

  • Disability Lawyer: An experienced disability lawyer can prove invaluable in pursuing a disability case. Because the lawyer is familiar with Social Security rules and regulations, he can guide you in collecting the evidence and verification you need to prove your case.

If you are unsure whether your depression symptoms qualify you for Social Security Disability consult a lawyer. Many provide a free consultation and even take your case on a contingency basis, which means you won't owe a cent unless you win your claim. The lawyer gets paid from a percentage of your settlement.

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When you are involved in a serious accident, it can be easy to feel like your entire world is falling apart. In addition to struggling with injuries and sudden expenses, you might also be worried about how to survive the emotional trauma. However, working with the right lawyer might help you to put all of your troubles into perspective. In addition to explaining the legal process and the intricacies of previous cases, he or she can also talk to you about what you deserve. I know that going to court can help you, which is why this blog is filled with detailed information about court.