This document discusses whether a person can get disability benefits for depression and anxiety. It explains that severe depression or anxiety that prevents one from working can qualify one for Social Security disability benefits. It outlines the application process and requirements, such as having a diagnosis and medical records showing the condition has lasted over a year and affects daily functioning. Common mental health conditions that can qualify for disability are also listed.

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Can I Get Disability For Depression And Anxiety?
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Are you struggling with depression or anxiety that makes it nearly impossible to fulfil your
work responsibilities? Are you looking for information regarding disability benefits for
depression and anxiety? Then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article “Can I get disability for depression and anxiety?” we will review the
available benefits and how to qualify for the insurance plans. Read on below.
Can I get disability for depression and anxiety?
If you’re battling depression and anxiety disorder and have this question in mind can I
get disability for depression and anxiety then the answer is YES! You can get
disability for depression and anxiety.
Depression and anxiety are both considered mental health disorders that can have a
profound impact on a person’s life and also his career.
Depressed people may be lethargic, lack motivation, self-destructive, and disinterest in
their lives as well as work. They may even be suicidal.
Anxious people also have a hard time leaving home or concentrating on work. Their
anxiety and fear usually affect their work. It makes it impossible for an individual to work
or to earn a living.
Individuals with severe depression or severe anxiety or a combination of both may be able
to collect disability through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability
program.
Can you qualify for disability with anxiety and depression?

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Yes! If you’re suffering from anxiety or depression or any other mental health condition
that limits your ability to perform daily tasks or work, you can qualify for disability
benefits.
Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the disability program which includes
mental health disorders. The SSA administers two disability plans, Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
If your depression is so severe, that you can’t work any type of job even with medical
treatment, you may be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Is it hard to get disability for depression?
Although depression is a common mental health problem included in Social Security
Disability applications, which does not make it easy for people with depression to avail of
disability benefits.
It can be quite a difficult task to prove depression to the Social Security Administration.
Proper medical and clinical evidence and records are required to get disability insurance
benefits. This is because the symptoms of depression are often difficult to measure.
Moreover, depression should be severe enough to hinder daily work activities. Just being
diagnosed with depression or any other symptoms of emotional stress is not enough.
Is depression considered a disability?
Yes! That’s true. Depression is considered a mental health disability. It is added to the list
of psychiatric disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Since depression is a significant mood disorder that mostly interferes with a person day to
day function and work.
How can I get disability for depression?
To get disability for depression, your condition must be severely debilitating and must
qualify for the Social Security Administration’s criteria. You need to make sure your
condition is well documented and your medical records support your case.
The SSA relies mostly on medical and clinical records to determine if you qualify for the
disability plan or not.
You must be diagnosed with persistent clinical depression that has lasted at least one year
or almost one year. Your depression can also be intermittent but severe.
The SSA’s criteria include an impairment listing on depressive disorders set by them.
Listing 12.04 is used to determine the severity of your depression. If your depression is
severe enough to interfere with your functioning and prevents you from doing your daily
activities, you can apply for disability benefits.

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You can apply online at ssa.gov or call at 1-800-772-1213 to start the disability application
process. It usually takes between 3-5 months to get an initial decision regarding your
claim from the SSA.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders present in our society. They
include moderate to severe mood changes and are encountered as emotional and
functional challenges.
Depression is a common mood disorder that has a negative effect on what you think, how
you feel, and the way you act. Those who are depressed usually are feeling down, sad or
upset and this might last for several days or even weeks. It is a leading cause of disability
all over the world.
Anxiety is a group of disorders that make a person anxious, fearful or worried. This can
happen to anyone from time to time or usually before any big event or meeting. Severe
long-lasting anxiety can be debilitating and may interfere with your most of daily tasks.
Depression and anxiety can occur separately or simultaneously as well. Although each of
them has its causes and factors, some of their symptoms overlap. These include
irritability, insomnia or trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentration.
They both require respective treatments which may include psychotherapy (counselling)
or medical treatment.
What mental illnesses qualify for disability?
Many mental illnesses qualify for social security disability plan. Social Security has a
disability handbook known as the “blue book”. This blue book is formally known as “the
Disability Evaluation under Social Security Handbook”.
This handbook contains all the mental illnesses and eligibility criteria to be considered as
disabilities. They are mentioned below.
The diseases include Schizophrenia, intellectual disorder, anxiety disorder,
neurocognitive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, and many more.
It also includes affective disorders which include depression and bipolar disorder.
Persuasive developmental disorders are also included. Drug addiction is not included.
This handbook also has eligibility criteria for qualification to the disability plan. If anyone
is suffering from these mental disorders and their condition meets the requirements, he/
she will automatically be granted the disability benefits.
How long can you be on disability for depression?

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There isn’t a specified period of disability plan, although as a general rule, most mood
disorders get a one or two-year disability plan limitation.
It mostly depends on the severity of the mental disorder. For example, if you’re suffering
from severe depression which is hindering your work, you can qualify for a long-term
disability plan.
Policies may substantially vary. Most policies have clauses for Anxiety and depression
which impose two-year limitations.
Some other mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia, Dementia, etc.
are exempted from this two-year limitation plan. Note that for depression, this 2-year
limitation almost always applies.
Can I go on short-term disability for depression?
You can file for short-term disability for depression but it requires a proper medical
diagnosis. You’ll need to have proof that the issue you’ve been struggling with is short-
termed.
The short-term disability is a type of disability benefit plan that provides compensation or
replacement for your illness or injuries which are non-job related that makes it impossible
to work for a limited period of time.
Note that before taking a leave for short term disability plan, you should discuss with your
psychiatrist.
Also Check: Generalized anxiety disorder weight loss
Takeaway
Coping with depression and anxiety can become very challenging and it might adversely
affect your career. This article aims to answer your query “Can I get disability for
depression and anxiety?” and helps you determine if you can qualify or not.
Mental health illnesses should be perceived and dealt with similarly to physical health
disorders. It’s important that you should know your job rights and claim disability
benefits in case you’re suffering from any mental health issues.
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