Is depression a total and permanent disability?

Depression is not inherently classified as a total and permanent disability for everyone, but it can be recognized as a severe, long-term disability if it meets specific, high-standard criteria. It is considered a psychiatric disability under the ADA if it severely impairs major life activities.


Can depression be a permanent disability?

Yes, you can get permanent disability for severe depression if it prevents you from working, typically through Social Security (SSDI/SSI in the U.S.) or private long-term disability insurance, requiring extensive medical proof, treatment history, and documentation showing "extreme" limitations in work-related functions like understanding, concentrating, or social interaction, often involving unsuccessful treatment attempts to demonstrate severity. 

Does mental health count as TPD?

Can I Claim Disability for Mental Health? Mental health issues can significantly impact your daily and work life. If you've developed a mental health condition that has left you unable to work, you may be eligible to claim total and permanent disability (TPD) benefits.


How long can I get 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. 

How much disability does depression give you?

Benefits Available for Anxiety and Depression Disability

The amount of benefits depends on your average earnings history before the onset of the disability. Federal law limits the maximum SSDI benefit payment. The maximum SSDI monthly benefits in 2025 are $4,018, but the maximum SSDI benefit amount changes annually.


TPD claim for mental illness | Law Partners



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. 

What benefits can I claim if I'm depressed?

The benefits you may be entitled to include:
  • Universal Credit.
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Attendance Allowance.


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 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 should you not say when applying for disability?

Ten Things You Should Never Say When Applying For Social Security Disability
  • “It's not that bad. ...
  • “I'm getting better.” ...
  • “I can work, but no one will hire me.” ...
  • “It hurts.” ...
  • “I'm not being treated.” or “I stopped treatment.” ...
  • “I have a history of drug use/criminal activity.” ...
  • “My relative gets disability.”


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 qualifies as total permanent disability?

Total permanent disability (TPD) is a condition where an individual cannot work again due to injuries. An individual may not be classified as having TPD if there are still potential treatment options or improvement is expected over time.

How do I claim TPD for depression?

Any mental illness that prevents you from working may qualify for a TPD claim for mental illness, and that includes PTSD, depression, anxiety and bipolar. However, just being diagnosed with one of these conditions doesn't mean you automatically qualify for a TPD claim.

Can you work with major depressive disorder?

Yes, many people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) can work, often thriving with proper management, accommodations, and support, though depression can impact focus and energy, leading to absenteeism or reduced productivity (presenteeism). Success depends on treatment (therapy/medication), a supportive environment, self-management strategies (breaks, healthy habits), and potentially workplace adjustments like flexible schedules or quieter workspaces, protected by laws like the ADA in the U.S. 


What mental illness is permanent disability?

Mental and psychological disabilities are among the conditions that can qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You may qualify with severe depression, bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, or another mental illness that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment.

How often is a disability review for depression needed?

We call this review a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). The law requires us to perform a medical CDR at least once every three years, however, if you have a medical condition that is not expected to improve, we will still review your case, once every five to seven years.

How difficult 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. 


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.

Can you get 100% disability for depression?

Achieving a 100% disability rating for depression requires demonstrating total occupational and social impairment, which can be characterized by persistent delusions or hallucinations and a danger of self-harm. Specific symptoms outlined by the VA include: Gross impairment in thought processes or communication.

What can I claim if I'm depressed?

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 do I prove I have depression?

Knowing you're diagnosed with depression means experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest, energy dips, sleep/appetite changes, concentration issues, and feelings of worthlessness for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, significantly affecting life, which a doctor confirms through symptoms, exams, and ruling out other issues.
 

What to tell a psychiatrist to get disability for depression?

Summary: in general, to prove you meet the depression or anxiety listing, your psychologist or psychiatrist will need to identify a specific diagnosis, to describe your treatment regimen and will need to identify specific mental work activity limitations (concentration, attention, acting in a socially acceptable manner ...

What proof do I need for mental health benefits?

Proving mental disability: Strong evidence includes comprehensive medical records, consistent treatment history, psychological evaluations, and documentation of functional limitations in daily life and work.


What to do when you can't work due to mental health?

When you can't work due to mental health, prioritize your well-being by seeking professional help (therapist, doctor), understanding your job protections (FMLA, ADA) for leave or accommodations like remote work/flexible hours, and exploring support resources like vocational rehab or disability benefits if needed, while also focusing on self-care like small goals and social connection. 

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.