Published on: December 27, 2024
If you struggle with depression, you may feel alone. That's understandable, and in fact, it's part of the condition itself. The good news, however, is that, in truth, you are certainly not alone. There are millions of other Americans who struggle with depression, too, and there is help available. Some of that help may come in the form of disability benefits if your depression is so severe that it prevents you from working and earning an income as you otherwise normally would. You may wonder if you are eligible for benefits as a result of your depression and, if so, how much you might receive. Let's take a closer look at the law together.
What Qualifies as a Disability?
In order to determine whether or not a condition qualifies for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will often consult its listing of impairments, more commonly known as the Blue Book. The Blue Book contains a variety of conditions and their accompanying symptoms. Fortunately, for those who are struggling with depression, depression is a condition included in the Blue Book.
Some Symptoms Of Depression Include:
- Decreased energy levels
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Unexplained feelings of sadness
- Lethargy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- And a variety of other symptoms.
If you struggle with these symptoms, you will need to provide medical proof to the Social Security Administration, not only of your symptoms but also regarding their effect on your life. You will need evidence from a qualified medical professional that your condition (even with treatment) does not allow you to work and earn an income as you otherwise normally would. If you can meet these requirements, you will then need to decide which type of disability benefit you may want to pursue. Let's examine the differences between the two types of benefits.
What Types of Benefits Are Available?
The Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefits, depending upon the circumstances involved. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In order to receive either type of benefit, an individual must have a qualifying medical condition. In addition, that condition must render the individual unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more.
Although both programs require that an individual have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them disabled for one calendar year or more, there are also important differences. The primary difference is that in order to receive SSDI benefits, an individual must be "insured.” To the Social Security Administration, being insured means that the applicant had a job for a sufficient length of time through which they regularly paid taxes into the Social Security system.
To receive SSI benefits by contrast, an applicant need not be insured. Instead, as SSI is intended for lower-income individuals, applicants must be able to prove that they have income and resources below a certain threshold established by the Social Security Administration. That limit may change yearly, so consulting with an attorney regarding your eligibility is essential.
How Much Will You Receive?
It’s important to understand that, regardless of the type of benefit you receive, the amount that you receive will not depend upon the particular condition that you have or on its severity. Instead, it will depend upon a variety of other factors, including your work and earnings history and income and resource level, among other factors.
Regardless of which type of benefit you apply for, it is also important to understand that there are maximum amounts that can be paid monthly. In 2024, the maximum amount of SSDI benefits an individual can receive is $3822. The maximum amount of SSI benefits that can be received monthly is $943 per month for an individual and $1415 per month per couple. These numbers are expected to increase in 2025 and typically increase slightly each year to account for changes in the cost of living.
Call Disability Experts Today
At Disability Experts, we know that struggling with depression can often seem as if it is a full-time job in and of itself. The last thing you need when you are dealing with a difficult mental health condition is to also add extra stress and worry to your plate. The good news is that instead of worrying and wondering, you can call us. When you do, you can rest assured that you are putting your claim in good hands. We know and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits, and we will continuously pursue the best strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
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