Many different types of medical challenges can prevent people from continuing to support themselves financially. Individuals who develop debilitating health issues sometimes have private disability benefits that can help them. Many others rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Qualifying for SSDI benefits can be a lengthy process. Individuals generally need compelling evidence of a totally debilitating medical condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) typically only approves applicants who have conditions that prevent them from maintaining any sort of gainful employment and that are likely to last 12 months or longer.
Many applicants have physical health issues, but some have mental health challenges. Depression can be a lifelong challenge for some people. The condition can affect their relationships and prevent them from maintaining jobs. Is depression a condition that can qualify people for SSDI benefits?
Severe depression-related conditions may qualify
The SSA recognizes multiple different types of mental health disorders as potentially qualifying conditions. Individuals with diagnosed depression-related mental health disorders can potentially qualify for SSDI benefits provided that the condition is severe enough and has lasted long enough.
There are several different disorders that fall under the SSA’s definition of depression. Those conditions include:
- bipolar disorders (both I and II)
- cyclothymic disorder
- persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia
- major depressive disorder
In addition to the baseline diagnosis, the patient generally needs medical documentation affirming the severity of their condition.
Frequently, conditions that are severe enough to warrant involuntary hospitalization could help people qualify for SSDI benefits. Symptoms ranging from suicidal ideation, social withdrawal, challenges with impulse control and changes in concentration can all prevent people from maintaining gainful employment.
Applicants may need help gathering the records necessary to convince the SSA that their depression is severe enough to warrant SSDI benefits. Applicants also need to mentally prepare themselves for the possibility of needing to appeal. Those already struggling with depression may find the setback of a rejected application to be difficult to overcome.
With the right support, individuals struggling with severe depression may be able to acquire SSDI benefits. Understanding the process and having the right support can help those living with depression access the benefits that they need.