Social Security Disability Benefits for Depression
Receiving Disability Benefits for Depression
Those who have suffered from depression understand just how debilitating the condition can be. According to Healthline, it is estimated that at least 16.2 million (6.7 percent) of American adults have had at least one major depressive episode in any given year. Depression can occur once, or you can have recurring episodes. Ongoing feelings of deep sadness and hopelessness in conjunction with other symptoms such as indecision and low energy occur in 1.5 percent of U.S. adults and are more prevalent in women than in men. At least half of these cases are considered to be very serious—so serious they prevent the individual from performing day-to-day tasks and from working and making a living.
Depression and disability benefits may be looked at with a certain level of suspicion by the SSA. If you are attempting to secure Social Security disability benefits for depression, Carmichael Law Group can help you get the benefits you need and deserve. We can help you prove that you meet the requirements set by the SSA and that your depression makes it impossible for you to work. The attorneys at Carmichael Law Group are highly skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable in every aspect of Social Security disability because this is not only what we do—this is all we do. We help clients all across the nation.
At Carmichael Law Group we will skillfully tell your story—a story that show the impact your condition has had on your life and on your ability to work. It is imperative that you have a highly experienced attorney who knows exactly how to tell your story in the best way possible, while also ensuring you will pass the SSDI five-step review process which includes:
- Do you make too much money?
- Is your impairment severe?
- Is your condition in the official impairment list?
- Does your condition interfere with the type of work you did previously?
- Can you do a different job?
What Is Depression?
Depression is a serious mental health disorder that is characterized by a loss of interest in life and normal activities and a persistent depressed mood. While it is not entirely clear what causes depression, possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress that could cause changes in brain function. In fact, these changes can actually include altered activity of the brain’s neural circuits. Physical and behavioral symptoms can result from persistent feelings of sadness or loss. These symptoms include:
Your Voice in the Fight for the Justice You Deserve
Here's What Sets Our Team Apart
Carmichael Law Group guides you through every step, from applications to appeals, with clear communication and strategic advocacy.
-
Focused on Results
We fight tirelessly to secure the benefits you deserve, using strategic legal expertise to achieve the best possible outcome.
-
Honest GuidanceWe prioritize clear communication, ethical advocacy, and transparency, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
-
Proven Track Record
With years of experience and thousands of successful cases, we provide skilled representation at every stage of your claim.
-
Compassionate Advocates
We treat every client with respect, empathy, and personalized attention, guiding you through the SSD process with care.
Is Depression a Disability Under Social Security Disability Rules?
If you are unable to work as a result of the severity of your depression, and you either have been unable to work for a year or expect that you will not be able to work for at least a year, you can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits. Under the depression listing in the SSA impairment listings, you must be able to show you have at least five of the following symptoms to be considered for disability benefits:
- A decreased interest in virtually all activities
- An appetite disturbance—either over-eating or no appetite—resulting in significant weight changes
- Depressed mood
- Sleep disturbances—oversleeping or insomnia
- Depressed mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Slowing of physical movement and reactions, including speech
- Increased physical agitation, such as pacing or hand wringing
In addition to five of the above symptoms, you will need to provide documentation that shows you have either an extreme limitation in one of the areas below, or you have “marked” limitation in two of the areas below:
- Adapting or managing oneself (practicing good personal hygiene, getting dressed, shopping for groceries, cooking meals, or paying bills)
- The ability to complete tasks (concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace while performing tasks)
- Interactions with others (using socially appropriate behaviors)
- The ability to understand, remember or apply information (understanding instructions, learning new things)
Providing medical documentation that shows you meet the impairment listing comes with its own challenges. Statements from your psychologist, former bosses, co-workers, family members, social workers, or anyone else who can speak to the impact your depression has had on your ability to work can make a significant difference
