Can you get long term disability for depression and anxiety?

Yes, you can get long-term disability (LTD) for severe depression and anxiety if they prevent you from working, but you must provide strong medical evidence showing the severity, including detailed treatment records, functional limitations (like poor concentration, severe fatigue, suicidal thoughts), and how they stop you from performing your job. LTD policies often limit mental health benefits (e.g., to 2 years), so thorough documentation of symptoms and functional impairment is crucial, often requiring support from treating mental health professionals.

Do anxiety and depression qualify for long-term disability?

To receive long-term disability benefits for depression or anxiety, a person must prove that the symptoms impair them under the definition of disability present in their insurance policy. An individual's LTD insurance policy will have either an “own occupation” or an “any occupation” definition of disability.

When do you qualify for long-term disability?

Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work-related activities, such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or remembering – for at least 12 consecutive months. If it does not, we will find that you do not have a qualifying disability.

What evidence is needed for a depression disability claim?

General.We need objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source to establish that you have a medically determinable mental disorder. We also need evidence to assess the severity of your mental disorder and its effects on your ability to function in a work setting.

How hard is it to get disability for depression?

Getting disability for depression is difficult but possible, requiring strong, consistent medical evidence showing your symptoms prevent work, often needing documentation for 2+ years and proving treatment hasn't fully worked, with a high bar due to subjectivity, but an RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) evaluation helps if you don't meet listing criteria, making it a tough fight, but doable with detailed records. 

Mental Disorders and How to Collect Your Long Term Disability Benefits

What can I claim if I can't work due to depression?

Personal Independent Payment (PIP) is a benefit you can claim if you need help with daily activities or getting around because of a mental health condition or physical disability.

How much is a disability check for depression?

You may be eligible to receive between $50 to $1,681 each week for up to 52 weeks, depending on wages you earned 5-18 months before your claim start date. Our Disability Benefit Calculator helps estimate your benefit amount.

What is the most approved mental illness for disability?

While specific data varies, Mood Disorders, particularly Major Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety Disorders are among the most commonly approved mental illnesses for Social Security disability, often appearing in the top categories alongside PTSD and other severe mental illnesses, because they frequently cause significant, documented functional limitations preventing work. Other highly approved conditions include Autism Spectrum Disorders, intellectual disabilities, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. 

What not to say when filing for disability?

“I can't find any relief for my pain.”

Many people exaggerate the extent of their disability and its impact on their daily lives in an attempt to increase the chances that their application is approved. This actually has the opposite effect and makes it more likely that your application will be denied.

What do I do if I can't work due to anxiety and depression?

As a rule, it is best to receive treatment from a mental health professional. Typically, these include a psychiatrist or psychologist. You may need to see a specialist to help prove that you can't work due to anxiety and depression.

What not to say to long-term disability?

Avoid speculating about future improvement or downplaying the long-term effects of your disability during a field interview. Disability insurers are primarily concerned with your current condition and how it affects your ability to work, rather than any potential improvements down the line.

What disqualifies you from long-term disability insurance?

Insufficient Medical Evidence

Insurance companies often deny LTD claims because there isn't enough medical evidence to prove your disability. They may argue that diagnostic tests, treatment records, or physician statements are inadequate.

Is it hard to get approved for long-term disability?

Yes, getting long-term disability (LTD) benefits, especially government Social Security Disability (SSDI), is often difficult due to strict rules, extensive documentation, and insurer tactics, with high denial rates on initial applications, though approval becomes more likely on appeal with strong medical evidence and proper procedures. Key challenges include insurance companies looking for reasons to deny, the need for ongoing medical proof, and the stringent disability definition used for government benefits (inability to do any work) versus private plans (often inability to do your job). 

How long can you take off work for mental health issues?

The amount of time you take off work for your mental health will vary depending on your individual health needs, but all companies must provide SSP to their employees for up to 28 weeks, including for when employees can't work due to their mental health.

Can you have anxiety and depression at the same time?

Yes, it is very common to experience anxiety and depression at the same time; they often co-occur (comorbid), with anxiety sometimes triggering depression, and vice versa, sharing biological roots and symptoms like sleep problems, making treatment more complex but effective treatment options like therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are available.
 

What disqualifies you from receiving disability?

You can be disqualified from disability (like Social Security) for not having enough medical proof, earning too much money ($1,620+/month in 2025 for SSDI), not following doctor's orders, your condition lasting less than a year, the disability being caused by drug/alcohol abuse, or failing to cooperate with the SSA (like attending exams). The core issue is if the condition prevents "Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)" for over a year, with strong, documented evidence.
 

How do you ask your doctor to put you on disability?

Unfortunately, your doctor can't put you on disability. Even if your doctor diagnoses you with a disability, you won't automatically receive benefits. You need to apply for benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), and only the SSA can approve or deny your disability claim.

What is the hardest disability to prove?

Here are the Top Disabilities That Are Difficult To Prove

• Mental Health Conditions. Mental illness stands as one of the most prevalent causes of disability, yet its impact is often underestimated or misunderstood. ...
• Chronic Pain Disorders. ...
• Fibromyalgia. ...
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. ...
• Autoimmune Disorders.

How long can you be on disability for depression?

You can be on disability for depression as long as it prevents you from working, but private long-term disability (LTD) policies often limit benefits for mental illnesses to 24 months (two years), though Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI) can continue longer if you meet criteria for severe, persistent mental disorders. The key is ongoing medical treatment, proving marked impairment in daily/work functions, and regular SSA reviews. 

What's the fastest you can get approved for disability?

Getting disability can take months for an initial decision (avg. 3-5 months, up to 6-8+), but faster options exist for severe conditions like ALS or some cancers via Compassionate Allowances or Quick Determinations, potentially getting you approved in weeks or months, though a 5-month wait for payments (after approval) still applies to SSDI, except for ALS. California's EDD is quicker (14 days for status), but has a 7-day wait for benefits. 

What are the top 5 worst mental disorders?

There's no single "worst" list, but severe conditions often cited for profound impact, high mortality, or challenging treatment include Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, severe Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and Eating Disorders (especially anorexia), due to debilitating symptoms, high suicide risk, or impact on daily functioning, though conditions like PTSD and Dissociative Identity Disorder are also incredibly challenging. 

Is it hard to get approved for disability for depression?

Getting disability for depression is difficult but possible, requiring strong, consistent medical evidence showing your symptoms prevent work, often needing documentation for 2+ years and proving treatment hasn't fully worked, with a high bar due to subjectivity, but an RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) evaluation helps if you don't meet listing criteria, making it a tough fight, but doable with detailed records. 

How much disability will I get if I make $60,000 a year?

Someone in their fifties who made $60,000 per year might expect a disability payment of $2,000 per month. You can check your annual Social Security Statement to see your covered earnings history. You'll need to set up an account to see your statement online at my Social Security.

What happens if I can't work due to mental illness?

LEAVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS UNDER THE FMLA

Eligible employees may take FMLA leave for their own serious health condition, or to care for a spouse, child, or parent because of a serious health condition. A serious health condition can include a mental health condition.