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Can I receive federal benefits for my depression?

by | Nov 6, 2019 | Social Security Disability

Depression is a difficult disease that at one point or another strikes many New York families. When you are suffering, your entire household feels the effects of this mental illness. Sometimes, despite receiving treatment such as medication and talk therapy, your condition may affect your ability to work, making you nervous about your family’s financial future.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), there may be relief for you when your depression is so severe that you are unable to maintain your job due to your mental illness. It comes in the form of two different national programs that are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). They can provide monthly financial support until you are well enough to work again.

The first program is SSDI, which stands for Social Security Disability Benefits. If, for five or more of the past ten years, you have held a job and paid either payroll taxes or FICA (otherwise known as paying into Social Security), but have been unable to work for at least the past year, you may be eligible. To qualify, you must demonstrate that your depression is an impairment that affects your ability to hold a job.

The second program is SSI, or Supplemental Security Income. This program differs from SSDI because it is aimed at those who not only have an impairment that prevents them from working, but also have low assets, income and resources. Sometimes, due to their depression and financial circumstances, people can qualify for SSDI and SSI at the same time.

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice.