Eligibility for Disability Benefits with Depression and Anxiety

To qualify for disability benefits with depression and anxiety, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria for a disability. The SSA evaluates mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, based on their Listing of Impairments. This listing outlines the severity levels required for specific conditions to qualify for benefits.

• Depression: The SSA categorizes depression as a mood disorder. To qualify, your depression must cause severe limitations in at least two areas, such as:
• Your ability to understand or apply information
• Your ability to interact with others
• Your ability to concentrate or maintain pace
• Your ability to adapt or manage oneself
• Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, are also listed in the SSA’s impairment criteria. To qualify, the anxiety disorder must result in serious functional limitations, affecting your ability to perform work-related tasks or manage daily activities.

If your depression and anxiety meet the SSA’s criteria for severity and duration, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.

How Much Disability Can You Get for Depression and Anxiety?

The amount of disability benefits you can receive for depression and anxiety depends on several factors, including:

Type of Disability Program:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI benefits are based on your work history and how much you’ve paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. The amount you receive will be determined by your average lifetime earnings.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is need-based and is available to individuals with limited income and resources. The benefit amount is standard across the country and is set by the federal government, though some states may offer additional assistance.

SSDI Benefit Amount:

• SSDI benefits typically range from $800 to $1,800 per month, with the exact amount based on your average lifetime earnings before becoming disabled. The higher your lifetime earnings, the higher your SSDI benefit.
• On average, most SSDI recipients receive around $1,200 per month.

SSI Benefit Amount:

• The federal SSI payment is approximately $914 per month for an individual (as of 2025), though it may be higher if you live in a state that offers additional assistance. SSI benefits are subject to income and asset limits.
• If you qualify for both SSI and SSDI, you may receive both, but the total amount will be adjusted to prevent you from exceeding certain income thresholds.

Proving Your Disability for Depression and Anxiety

To receive disability benefits for depression and anxiety, you must provide sufficient medical evidence to demonstrate the severity of your condition. This includes:

• Medical Records: These can include notes from psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists who treat your condition, documenting your symptoms, treatment, and how your condition impacts your ability to work and function.
• Diagnosis: A formal diagnosis from a healthcare provider, including details about your condition and any medications you are prescribed, is crucial.
• Functional Limitations: The SSA will want to know how your depression and anxiety affect your ability to work and perform daily activities. You should include statements from your doctors, family, and friends about your limitations.

Can You Qualify for Disability for Depression and Anxiety Alone?

Yes, it is possible to qualify for disability benefits for depression and anxiety alone, but it can be more challenging compared to other physical impairments. The key is to provide comprehensive documentation showing the functional limitations caused by your condition.

• Long-Term Effects: The SSA requires that your disability lasts for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Chronic depression or anxiety that causes long-term limitations may meet this requirement.
• Work Limitations: The SSA needs clear evidence that your depression and anxiety prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is defined as earning over a certain income threshold (currently $1,470 per month for 2025).

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved for Disability

If you’re applying for SSDI or SSI based on depression and anxiety, there are several ways to strengthen your application:

• Consistent Medical Treatment: Seek regular treatment from a mental health professional. The SSA looks for consistent medical records, including therapy notes, prescriptions, and treatment plans.
• Detailed Medical Records: Your medical records should detail the severity of your depression or anxiety, the treatments you’ve undergone, and the limitations you experience due to your condition.
• Provide Statements from Family and Friends: Statements from people who know you well can be valuable in explaining how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work.