CAN I GET SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIITY FOR DEPRESSION?

You may get Social Security disability for anxiety, depression, PTSD or any number of mental impairments if they are severe enough to prevent you from full-time work on a persistent basis.

Persistent work is work that you are able to perform 8 hours per day, 5 days per week or an equivalent schedule.  You must also be able to remain on task for at least 2 hours at a time without a break.  If you are unable to work on a schedule like that, you are probably disabled according to Social Security rules. There is also a duration requirement.  You must have been unable to work for at a period of not less than 12 consecutive months, or you must reasonable expect to be disabled for that period of time.

 The following are key mental requirements for work:
  1. The ability to remember, understand and carry out instructions commensurate with the type of work you are trying to perform;
  2. The ability to adapt appropriately to usual workplace stressors and changes in the work environment;
  3. The ability to respond appropriately to supervisors, co-workers and others; and
  4. The ability to make decisions commensurate with skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled work.
A persistent inability to perform any of the mental requirements of work would direct a finding of disabled under Social Security Rule SSR-85-15 and SSR 96-9(p).

You will need medical evidence of your mental impairment, just as you would medical proof of a physical impairment.  The best evidence is from a specialist in mental disorders, either a psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist.  

It will probably be very helpful if you can obtain representation by a Social Security disability advocate who knows about preparing and presenting cases involving mental impairments.  The Social Security program is governed by thousands of pages of complex rules, regulations and laws which must be followed to get a successful claim through.  It is a very specialized area that is difficult to navigate without training and experience.

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