What Is the Disability Benefit Amount for Depression and Anxiety?

Many people who are dealing with depression and anxiety wonder how these conditions can affect their eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two primary programs for disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs offer financial support, but they differ in their requirements and how benefits are calculated.

If you want to know if your depression and anxiety qualifies you for disability benefits, this should provide answers. If you need more information, contact us at Sackett & Associates, a California-based national disability law firm. Helping people with disabilities is all we do. We can help you, too.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is designed for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes over a period of years. To qualify, you need to have earned enough work credits, which you accumulate based on your earnings over your working life. Typically, you need to have worked five out of the last ten years before becoming disabled.

The benefit amount for SSDI is determined by your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. The SSA uses a complex formula to calculate your primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the basis for your monthly benefit. Essentially, the more you have earned and paid into the system, the higher your benefit will be. On average, SSDI benefits range from $800 to $1,800 per month, but your specific amount could be higher or lower based on your work history.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI, on the other hand, is need-based and doesn’t require work credits. It’s intended for individuals with limited income and resources. To qualify, your income and assets must fall below certain thresholds. For 2024, the federal benefit amount for SSI is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple, although your actual benefit may be lower if you have other sources of income. Depending on the nature and source of the other income, each countable dollar received may reduce the amount of your benefit proportionately.

Determining the Severity of Your Disability

To qualify for either SSDI or SSI, you must meet the SSA’s definition of a disability. The SSA defines a disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For 2024, substantial gainful activity is defined as earning more than $1,550 per month. Blind individuals may earn up to $2,590.

When it comes to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, the SSA evaluates your ability to perform basic work activities. This includes understanding and remembering instructions, interacting with others, maintaining concentration and pace, and managing yourself. Your medical records, including treatment history and any assessments from mental health professionals, play a significant role in this evaluation.

The SSA Defines a Qualifying Disability as Follows:

A disability is a physical or mental impairment lasting or expected to last 12 months (or result in death) that prevents the individual from performing “substantial gainful activities,” (SGA).

The SSA uses a five-step process to determine if you qualify for disability benefits:

1. Are You Working? If you are working and earning more than the SGA limit, you generally won’t qualify.
2. Is Your Condition Severe? Your impairment must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.
3. Is Your Condition Found in the List of Disabling Conditions? The SSA has a list of impairments, known as the Blue Book, which includes specific criteria for various conditions, including mental disorders.
4. Can You Do the Work You Did Before? If your condition prevents you from performing your past work, the SSA moves to the next step.
5. Can You Do Any Other Type of Work? The SSA considers your age, education, work experience, and transferable skills to determine if you can adjust to other work.

For depression and anxiety, the SSA typically looks at the Listing of Impairments under Section 12.00, Mental Disorders. To qualify under this listing, you must meet specific criteria demonstrating the severity of your condition, such as marked limitations in activities of daily living, social functioning, concentration, and episodes of decompensation.

How a Disability Lawyer Can Help

Applying for disability benefits can be a daunting process, and many initial applications are denied. This is where an experienced disability lawyer can make a significant difference. Sackett & Associates Disability Law firm focuses entirely on disability claims and we can help you in several ways:

1. Gathering Medical Evidence: We ensure that all relevant medical records, treatment notes, and assessments from your healthcare providers are submitted to the SSA.
2. Preparing Your Application: A well-prepared application can significantly increase your chances of approval. Sackett & Associates will help you complete the application accurately and thoroughly.
3. Representation at Hearings: If your initial application is denied, our firm’s lawyers can represent you at an appeal hearing before an administrative law judge. They will present evidence, question witnesses, and make legal arguments on your behalf.
4. Ensuring Compliance with Deadlines: The disability claims process involves multiple deadlines and missing one can jeopardize your claim. Our reliable staff will keep track of all deadlines and ensure timely submissions.

By working with the skilled disability lawyers at Sackett & Associates, you benefit from our many years of experience in handling the SSA’s complex processes. We can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your case, present compelling evidence, and advocate on your behalf to improve your chances of a favorable outcome.