Social Security Benefits for Depression and Mental Impairments:

In order for you to receive disability benefits for depression or other mental disability you will have to provide evidence and support that will show the Social Security Examiner that the symptoms of the impairments are severe enough to prevent you from maintaining gainful employment.  Additionally, as a Social Security Attorney I have a lot of clients come to my office after they have been denied benefits and tell me that they submitted evidence that they are diagnosed with depression or other mental impairment.  I have to explain to them that the Social Security Administration wants to know how your impairments affect you in your daily activities and how they prevent you from working.   Please see the list below for some of the things that Social Security will look for when they are reviewing your petition.

 

• How long had your depression lasted?

  • Your depression or other mental disorder has to have lasted or will continue to last for 12 months and must prevent you from being able to perform a job on a regular basis. Often times someone with depression will have “good” and “bad” days. Therefore, some of your doctor’s notes may even indicate that your depression has improved and SSA used that to deny your SSDI or SSI benefits. However, it would be essential for you to describe those “good” and “bad” days to the Social Security Judge at a hearing to paint a true picture of how serious your condition prevents you from regular/consistent work.

 

• Do you have statements from your Doctors?

  • You will need statements from your treating physicians regarding your depression or mental illness and its severity. Furthermore, Social Security will want to see the supporting medical records and treatment notes form your medical professionals.  It is important to continue to see your treating doctors and therapist while you are waiting Social Security to rule on your application. Your goal is to gather as much evidence of your conditions as possible, so if/when you need to appeal a denied decision to an Administrative Law Judge, you will have a large amount of evidence to support you case.

 

• Does your Depression or Mental Disability Meet a Social Security Listing?

  • If you meet an official disability for your mental disability the Social Security Administration will grant your disability benefits.  It will be essential for you to have up to date medical records from your doctors, treatment notes and evaluations you completed that will show that you have symptoms that cause you to have at least two of the “marked” limitations in any of the following. 1. The ability to perform daily tasks 2. The ability to get along with others 3. The ability to keep up with a regular work pace.

 

• What is an RFC?

  • If your mental impairment does not meet an official disability listing the Social Security Administration will complete what is called a Residual Functional Capacity report. This report will include all sorts of work related tasks to measure your , ability to follow directions, communicate,  sit, stand, walk, bend, use your arms and hands etc. Additionally, your ability to maintain regular attendance at work is also measured.

 

It is important that you speak with a Massachusetts Social Security Attorney to help you gather the proper evidence to successfully apply or appeal for Social Security Disability Benefits.  Please contact us online today or call 978-566-1075 for a free case evaluation.

 

We represent clients in Social Security matters throughout Massachusetts including, Andover, North Andvoer, Lowell, Dracut, Chelmsford, Methuen, Tyngsboro, North Reading, Lawrence, Tewksbury, Wilmington, Haverhill, Georgetown, Middleton, Danvers, Concord, Ayer, Billerica, Bradford, Salem, Boxford, Topsfield, Groveland and Ipswich