4.2 Google RatedSSDI lawyers specializing in depression can assist you in applying for Social Security Disability payments. Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys can gather evidence, prepare your application, and represent you through the entire process to receive your benefits. Contact our depression SSDI lawyers in Phoenix, AZ, today for a consultation about your case.
Depression Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyers
Too many applications for Social Security Disability get denied. What can you do to make your claim successful? Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys has helped more than 10,000 people. We understand the requirements for claiming disability insurance benefits based on depression.
Ways we help people include:
- Determining if you qualify
- Gathering medical records and other factual evidence (such as insurance claims)
- Submitting your application
- Addressing a request for more information
- Asking for reconsideration or appealing, if necessary
- Representing you in court
Start today with a free consultation with our legal team of disability lawyers. We represent clients throughout Arizona and beyond. Telephone, virtual, and in-person consultations are available. Please contact a disability lawyer in AZ today.
Understanding Depression and Your Right To Disability Benefits
According to the Columbia School of Public Health, about 10% of the population suffers from depression. If depression prevents you from working, you may qualify to receive Social Security Disability payments.
Depression is a mood disorder as opposed to a disease. There are many possible causes, including a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events. It results in persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest. More importantly, depression can impact day-to-day functioning, and these disruptions may be physical, mental, and emotional.
Symptoms vary, often including sadness, anger, irritability, frustration, low energy, lack of interest in activities, poor sleep, weight loss, chronic fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and trouble concentrating. Depressive disorders impact a person’s entire well-being.
Section 12.04 of the Blue Book Listing of Impairments – Depressive, Bipolar, and Other Related Disorders
Section 12.04 of the Listing of Impairments explains the standards for disability based on depression. First, a person must show that they have a depressive disorder. They must exhibit five or more characteristics relating to depression, including depressed mood, diminished interest in activities, psychomotor agitation or retardation, feeling guilt or worthlessness, and other common symptoms of depression.
Then, an applicant must show a limitation in functioning or a serious and persistent existence of the disorder over a two-year period. A limitation in function is an extreme limitation of one or marked limitation of two areas of mental functioning. This includes interpreting and applying information, social interaction, maintaining work pace, and personal management.
To prove a serious and persistent existence of depression, the person must show ongoing medical treatment that diminishes symptoms and a minimal capacity to adapt to changes and demands of daily life over two years
Proving Your Case for SSDI Due to Depression
To prove your case, our SSDI lawyers specializing in depression can help you present objective evidence from credible sources, such as medical records and health care insurance claims. Your symptoms, psychological history, medications, therapy, and expected duration of symptoms may all be relevant.
Both medical and non-medical facts may explain how depression impacts your ability to function in a work setting or maintain employment. Examiners may consider rehabilitation programs and psychosocial support available.
In your application, it’s important to prepare a complete picture. That way, the examiners can fully understand how depression impacts your life and prevents you from working.
Having a Combination of Medical Conditions
In addition to depression, you may have other impairments such as bipolar disorder, panic disorder, or anxiety. Examiners can consider these other impairments to determine whether your impairments are functionally equivalent to a medical listing.
An experienced depression disability lawyer can evaluate your situation in its entirety to explain how your medical conditions interfere with activities of daily living and prevent you from working. We can assist in preparing and presenting your claim for Social Security Disability for depression.
Free Consultations – Talk to a Phoenix Depression SSDI Lawyer
Free consultations are available at our law office. Learn how to apply for disability for major depressive disorders. With our commitment to you and your interests, our disability insurance attorneys can help you every step of the way. We are knowledgeable in appeals and courtroom procedures, and we can escalate your case to the highest levels if necessary.
Talk to Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys about how our experienced depression SSDI lawyers in Phoenix can advocate for you. When depression doesn’t allow you to continue to maintain employment, you can claim the benefits that you have earned. Contact our law office for a case review and receive legal assistance today.
Social Security Disability for Depression – FAQs
Can you get SSDI payments for depression?
If your depression is severe enough that it limits the skills and abilities needed to work, it is possible to get SSDI payments for depression.
My SSDI application for depression has been denied! What can I do?
If your SSDI application for depression has been denied, you can ask for reconsideration and then appeal. It’s important to evaluate why the claim was unsuccessful and what additional information may be needed to reach a different result.
Why do I need a lawyer for a Social Security Disability case based on depression?
Having a depression diagnosis alone is insufficient to receive disability benefits. You must show how your depression inhibits your ability to work based on standards published by the Social Security Administration. Depression SSDI lawyers in Phoenix understand these standards and can prepare your claim to satisfy the approval requirements.
Is it hard to get SSDI for depression?
Yes, it can be challenging for clients to navigate the complexities of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Many who apply on their own are denied Social Security benefits. Additionally, the subjective nature of a mental health condition like depression complicates the assessment process. That’s why it’s important to seek out a reputable disability lawyer to create a compelling case with enough evidence to qualify for SSDI income benefits.
How much does SSDI pay for depression?
For those suffering from depression, the SSDI payment amounts can vary based on several factors. The most impactful elements are an individual’s work history and their Social Security earnings record. Accessing SSDI income benefits requires a comprehensive evaluation as well as documentation from health care providers and experts. For specific information, please contact our law firm.
