Depression is plaguing the US, it is everywhere. Many people that are trying to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits are saying they cannot work because of their depression. Depression could, very well, prohibit an individual from being able to work but it is not easy to get approved.
You will need to be very diligent in proving that your depression is so severe that you simply cannot work and you will need evidence and a lot of documentation. There is so much red tape involved that it is just easier and less painstaking to hire an attorney who knows how to maneuver around the Social Security Disability laws.
Have you seen a doctor? When? Has the doctor put you on medication, if so, what kind? Do you expect your depression to continue for at least 12 months? Does your doctor think there has been any improvement in your depression? The list of redundant questions can go on and on. Medical and mental health records must be retrieved.
Then there is the extremely lengthy waiting period only to open the long awaited letter from Social Security and see the word, DENIED, at the top of the page. You feel hopeless and all the while the bills are stacking up, you have maxed out your credit cards, and exhausted your loan options. At this point, an aggressive and experienced lawyer is your only hope.
The next step is the appeal before an administrative law judge. Is it a good idea to walk in there without a lawyer? Absolutely not! Proof requirements are very strict and a lack of will result in another denial. With the right attorney, you can win your case even if you have been denied before.