Can You Get Disability Coverage for Depression?

Although some may not see depression as a disability, the reality is that depression has severe disabling effects on many American adults.  When antidepressant medication and therapy are not sufficient to combat the disabling effects of depression, and result in an inability to work, it may be time to seek financial assistance in the form of Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. 

Getting Disability Benefits for Depression

Persons claiming eligibility for benefits based on a mental disability such as depression may qualify for either SSD or SSI, depending on the situation.  If you have worked for a certain period of time during your life and paid Social Security taxes, you may be entitled to SSD benefits, which results in a monthly payment based purely on your average lifetime earnings.  Thus, the amount of SSD that you might receive can vary quite a bit from person to person.

If you do not have a sufficient earnings record to qualify for the SSD program, you may be entitled to SSI benefits, which is not dependent on your earnings.  SSI is a welfare program, which provides disabled persons with a monthly benefit amount that fluctuates according to your monthly household income.  The maximum monthly benefit amount for the SSI program is $674 for the year 2009. 

Filing a Disability Claim

Whether you are applying for benefits under the SSD or SSI program, or both, you will need to complete an application, which is available online through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website, or at your local SSA office.  Both applications will require that you give specific information about all of the physical or mental conditions that you believe render you disabled.  Plus, you will be asked to sign medical release forms that permit the SSA to access your medical records in order to make a decision about your eligibility for benefits.  The SSA may also require you to undergo medical examinations or tests in order to better assess your eligibility for benefits.  You also will need to provide detailed information about your past and current employment. 

The disability application process for either benefits program can take three (3) to five (5) months, or longer.  If SSA denies you benefits for either or both of these benefits programs, you are entitled to appeal that decision at several different levels. 

Getting Legal Help for Your Claim

If you are having difficulty proving your case for SSD or SSI benefits, you should immediately consult with an attorney for assistance.  An experienced disability attorney can help you present your case in the most complete and effective manner possible, so as to maximize your chances of success on your claim for disability benefits.