One question that Merryl Jones – Second Chance Lawyer often hears is: “Does depression count as a Social Security disability condition?” And in many cases, the answer is YES! It is one of the Social Security disability conditions. Clinical depression is recognized as a form of disability, so qualifying individuals may be able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if their depression leaves them unable to work.
That said, demonstrating a need for disability benefits due to psychological issues can be difficult. You want a good Waco Social Security disability lawyer on your side to improve the chances that you’ll receive your benefits. Here’s what you need to know.
Qualifying For SSDI Due to Depression as a Social Security disability condition
Depression is recognized as potentially being a type of disability, but it must be documented as severe enough that the person cannot work. This requires working with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who can verify you have at least five of the following symptoms:
- Depressed mood
- Severe changes in appetite or eating habits
- Sleep disruptions
- Continually depressed mood
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Constant difficulty concentrating
- Frequent thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Slowed physical reactions or speech
However, you must also be able to demonstrate a genuine inability to work due to these Social Security disability conditions. This means a significant reduction in your ability to:
- Understand, remember, or apply new information
- Interact with others in socially appropriate ways
- Concentrate and complete assigned tasks
- Manage your own affairs, such as chores or paying bills
These can be difficult to prove, and extensive documentation will be expected for all Social Security disability conditions. A good Waco Social Security disability lawyer can help you understand the requirements while working with you, your workplace, and your doctor(s) to provide all necessary proof.
What If SSDI Depression Benefits Are Denied?
Because the standard of proof for Social Security disability conditions in these cases is so high, some individuals are denied despite an inability to work. However, there is a second option: applying for a Medical Vocational Allowance. This involves having your doctor fill out a form called the Residual Functional Capacity evaluation which documents your difficulties.
The Social Security Administration will look at this form and compare it against potential jobs a person might work. If there are no suitable vocations that someone with your symptoms and Social Security disability conditions could reasonably work in, you may still be approved for Social Security disability benefits.
Get Help Before Filing for Disability Benefits!
Being approved for Social Security disability benefits is very difficult. The majority of applications are rejected on the first attempt, typically for mistakes in the paperwork or for missing documentation. That’s why you want a great Waco Social Security disability lawyer working with you from the start.
Merryl Jones – Second Chance Lawyer has 25 years of experience helping people across the Waco area get the SSDI benefits they deserve for Social Security disability conditions! She’ll fight for you before, during, and after the process to ensure you get the money you’re owed.
If you have been diagnosed with clinical depression and are unable to work due to Social Security disability conditions, please click here to contact us for a free case evaluation.
