Eligibility Requirements for Disability Due to Depression

To qualify for disability benefits for depression, you must meet both medical and non-medical criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

• Work History for SSDI: If you are applying for SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years (usually 40 work credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years). If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still qualify for SSI, which is based on financial need rather than work history.
• Severe Disability: Your depression must be severe enough that it prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means your condition must limit your ability to work for at least 12 months or result in death.
• Medical Documentation: You must provide medical evidence that demonstrates the severity of your depression and how it affects your ability to work. This includes detailed documentation from your treating physician, hospital records, and any therapy or counseling you’ve received.

How the SSA Evaluates Depression for Disability

The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate disability claims. Here’s how they apply this process to claims based on depression:

Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

If you are earning more than a specific amount, you may not qualify for benefits. For 2025, if you are earning more than $1,470 per month (or $2,460 if you are blind), the SSA may decide that you are engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), making you ineligible for disability benefits.

Step 2: Severe Impairment

Your depression must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work tasks, such as:

• Focusing on tasks
• Following instructions
• Interacting with others
• Maintaining a consistent work schedule
• Managing stress or changes in the workplace

If your depression results in any of these limitations and significantly interferes with your ability to work, the SSA will consider this step.

Step 3: Medical Listings for Depression

The SSA includes mood disorders, like depression, in its "Listing of Impairments." To meet the SSA’s criteria for depression, you must provide medical evidence that demonstrates the severity of your condition. The SSA looks for specific symptoms and functional limitations, including:

• Severe limitations in concentration or the ability to think or focus
• Marked restrictions in daily activities (e.g., the ability to maintain personal hygiene or perform daily tasks)
• Severe difficulty maintaining social interactions or work relationships
• Inability to perform basic work functions due to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or other depressive symptoms

If your depression meets the SSA’s criteria for severity, you may automatically qualify for disability benefits.

Step 4: Past Work Evaluation

If your depression does not meet the SSA’s listing for a mood disorder, the SSA will evaluate whether you can perform your previous work. If your condition prevents you from performing your past job duties, the SSA will proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Ability to Perform Other Work

If you cannot do your past work, the SSA will assess whether you can do other types of work based on your skills, age, and education. If your depression prevents you from performing any other type of work, you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits.

What Medical Evidence Do You Need for Depression?

To qualify for disability benefits based on depression, you must provide thorough medical evidence that demonstrates how your condition affects your ability to work. Here’s what you need to include:

• Doctor’s Notes and Psychiatric Evaluations: Detailed reports from your treating psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care doctor. These should explain your symptoms, the severity of your depression, and how it limits your functioning.
• Treatment History: Information about any treatments you’ve undergone, such as psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or medications prescribed to manage your depression.
• Hospital Records: If you’ve been hospitalized for depression or related conditions (like suicidal thoughts or self-harm), include these records to show the severity of your depression.
• Psychological Testing: Tests such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) or other standardized assessments that evaluate the severity of your symptoms can be beneficial.
• Functional Reports: Documentation from family, friends, or coworkers that details how your depression affects your daily life and work performance.

The more detailed and consistent the documentation, the stronger your claim will be.

How to Apply for Disability for Depression in Texas

To apply for disability benefits in Texas, you can take the following steps:

• Apply Online: The easiest and fastest way to apply is through the SSA’s online portal at www.ssa.gov. You will be guided through the application process and can submit documents electronically.
• Apply by Phone: You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to start your application by phone. An SSA representative will help you complete the application over the phone.
• Apply in Person: If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit your local SSA office. Make sure to schedule an appointment in advance, as walk-in visits may not be accepted.

When applying, make sure to provide all necessary documentation, including medical records, a detailed work history, and any other relevant information about your depression.

What to Do If Your Claim is Denied

It’s not uncommon for disability claims based on mental health conditions, such as depression, to be denied initially. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

• Request Reconsideration: This is the first step in the appeals process. You can request the SSA to review your case and provide additional medical evidence.
• Request a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where you can present your case in person.
• Submit Additional Evidence: During the appeals process, you may gather additional evidence, such as updated medical reports or treatment records, to strengthen your case.