Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, with more than 17.3 million American adults who have experienced at least one major depressive episode, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health. It can negatively affect an individual’s overall health, as well. When severe, depression may have a negative impact on your daily activities. It can affect people in different ways.
Depression is much more complex than just mood swings or feelings of sadness. This condition is complex, which is why the Social Security Administration (SSA) includes it among the disabilities in the Listings of Impairments manual.
People suffering from depression often have low energy and may lose interest in their favorite activities. It commonly causes feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can be difficult for a person suffering from this condition to work and earn a living. Many sufferers experience low self-esteem, as well.
If you are suffering from depression or another chronic illness, you can file a disability claim with the help of an experienced attorney.
Some Vital Details About Depression
The SSA includes depression among its listings under Section 12.04 Affective Disorders. However, a person applying for disability benefits on the basis of depression will have to prove that their condition is severe and prevents them from working.
People suffering from this condition may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if they have at least five of the symptoms listed below:
- Depressed mood
- Appetite issues (poor eating or overeating)
- Weight loss/gain
- Sleep issues (insomnia or sleeping too much)
- Suicidal thoughts
- Difficulties with concentration or overthinking things
- Paranoid thinking
- Hallucinations and delusions
There are also some functional criteria that applicants must meet to qualify for approval. It can help for applicants to discuss their concerns with alawyerto learn more about the requirements for this ailment.
Common Reasons Why Applications are Rejected
If your medical condition limits your ability to work and function, you may qualify for Social Security benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government-run program that provides financial assistance to individuals who suffer from a medical condition that prevents them from earning a living.
The SSA receives thousands of applications every month, but it only approves a fraction of them to receive benefits. Applicants are required to fulfill specific eligibility criteria to qualify for assistance.
However, there is no guarantee that your application will be approved or whether it will be approved within a certain time frame. If you do not fulfill the disability criteria or make mistakes within the application, the SSA will likely reject your application.
Some of the common reasons why the SSA rejects applications include:
1.Lack of medical evidence and records: Many applications get denied because of a lack of medical evidence and records. To get the benefits, you must have medical records and prove that you suffer from that medical condition.
The documentation must show that your condition interferes with your functioning and limits your ability to work. For example, if you use illegal drugs, the SSA may reject your application. Also, the records must indicate that you have followed the treatment and medications that your doctors have prescribed.
If you don’t follow the procedure, the evaluator will not approve your application. Instead, they will state that the condition’s worsening is because you didn’t follow the medication prescribed by your doctor.
2.Your income is too high: The SSA may deny your application because of your income. However, the SSA will only consider the income that you earn from employment. It will not evaluate the income that you receive from other investments.
The latest rules indicate that an individual may not earn more than $1,258 per month. If you make more than that, then the SSA will probably reject your application. Your spouse’s money or other investments will not be considered in the calculation.
3.Work history: To be eligible for SSDI benefits, an applicant must have earned at least 40 credit points in their job and paid Social Security taxes. If you have not paid Social Security taxes or do not have the necessary number of credit points, the SSA may reject your application.
Also, the disabling condition must limit your ability to perform the tasks that you could do earlier. If you can continue working, there is a chance your application will be rejected. You will not be eligible to receive disability benefits if you do not meet the criteria.
4.Criminal convictions: If you have been convicted of a crime, the SSA may reject your application for benefits.
Improving Your Chances of Success in Your Claim
Your chances of getting approved for disability benefits may increase if you have a physical impairment along with your depression. If you or any family member has been diagnosed with depression and cannot work, you should consult an experienced attorney right away. It is best to speak with a legal professional who handles similar cases on a regular basis.
If you do not qualify for SSDI, the SSA may check to determine whether you can perform your daily life activities. The evaluator will rate your abilities in the following categories: skilled work, semi-skilled work, and unskilled work.
If the SSA determines that you are able to perform unskilled work, you may not get approved for benefits.
However, if the SSA sees that you cannot even perform unskilled work tasks, you may be able to get disability benefits for depression under the medical-vocational allowance.
In general, it is important to seek guidance from an experienced legal professional to improve your chance of getting the financial help you need.
Benefits of Working With a Lawyer
When looking for a lawyer, choose someone who has experience handling Social Security claims based on depression and anxiety. These types of claims may be more complex than others because, unlike physical conditions, depression is a mental health disorder and not as easy to prove how it affects a sufferer’s life.
You have the right to seek representation from a qualified legal professional of your choice when you are dealing with the SSA at any stage of the process, including appeals.
If you or someone you know has not been successful in obtaining the benefits they need, we would like the opportunity to help. Before approving or denying any claim, the SSA will analyze certain areas and situations in your life.