Depression can be debilitating. There’s no question about it. If you struggle with depression, you likely understand well that this condition is far more than sadness as a result of a life event or a particular circumstance. It is a medical condition, specifically, a mental disability, that can affect those who have it in a wide variety of ways. Depending upon its severity, it can render an individual unable to enjoy many of their usual activities, and in some cases, even the most basic of tasks necessary for adequate self-care. It can be severely disabling, and long-lasting.
If you have been struggling with depression for a year or more, and it has rendered you unable to work, you may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits for your disability. While every circumstance is unique and each individual is different, it can be helpful to understand some basic information about the Social Security benefit options that may be available, how much compensation might be received, and how to best seek that compensation.
What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security is a federal program of the United States government that was created to provide financial benefits to those who are in need, whether because they are retired, have low income, or are disabled and unable to work as a result of a specific health condition. Generally, there are two types of Social Security programs for those who are disabled:
- Social Security Disability Income (SSD): SSD benefits are generally for those who are disabled and unable to work as a result of that disability, and who have worked a job for a certain amount of time through which they paid into the Social Security system.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI benefits are also for those who are disabled and unable to work as a result of their disability, but typically exist for those who have little to no income, and who did not work a job through which they paid into the system for a particular length of time.
Depression is considered a qualifying disabling condition insofar as Social Security benefits are concerned. Various medical factors must be met for the diagnosis of depression to qualify, including being able to document that you have experienced certain symptoms and difficulties as a result of your condition. An experienced attorney will be able to address those various factors with you and advise you on how best to present your case.
Whether or not you apply for SSD or SSI benefits will also depend not only upon your diagnosis, but also upon your income, your resources, and whether or not you worked a job through which you paid into the Social Security system. Consulting with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney as to what type of benefits you may qualify for is always advised.
The Basics On Benefits – What You Might Receive
How much a disabled individual might receive in terms of benefits will vary depending upon various factors. Insofar as SSD benefits are concerned, a determination of what you might receive will depend upon your salary before the disability, the severity of your condition and its effect on your inability to work and earn income, and whether or not you’ve paid into the system. Each year, the Social Security Administration sets limits on the maximum amount an individual might receive. In 2022, for example, the highest possible monthly payment was $3,345, although that amount may be lower or higher depending upon the year.
Insofar as SSI benefits are concerned, SSI payments generally do not depend upon work history, but you must be below a certain income threshold to qualify. Those who seek SSI benefits will also need documentation that they cannot work as a result of their depression. In 2022, the maximum monthly SSI amounts were $421 for an essential person, $841 for individuals and $1261 for couples.
This information concerning the potential amount of benefits received is intended to be helpful, but again, it is no substitute for the advice of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney. You will want and need guidance tailored to your unique circumstances, and at The Law Office of Daniel Berger, we’re here to provide exactly that.
The Law Office Of Daniel Berger – Here For You
At The Law Office of Daniel Berger, we understand the complex laws involved in pursuing a disability claim. We will listen to your story and create a personalized legal strategy for pursuing the benefits you need and deserve. If you have depression or any other condition that has rendered you disabled and in need of benefits, we are here to help. If you’re ready to get started, and you want to move forward toward a better and brighter chapter ahead, we’re here to help you turn the page. Give us a call or visit us on our website at Law Offices of Daniel Berger. We look forward to speaking with you soon.