Can you collect social security if you suffer from depression or anxiety?

[hi]

I've been diagnose with depression anxiety for many years. I feel like it has a part in me not doing well in the job market.

[Charlene]

Not social security... that comes when you get old. But you may be able to get a disability check.

ONLY OLD PEOPLE GET SS. THATS PART OF WHAT COMES OUT OF YOUR CHECK EVERY WEEK SO U HAVE SOMETHING TO TAKE CARE OF YOU WHEN YOU GET TOO OLD TO WORK.

[Ray Lynn]

you can get SSI..but it can be a real mess to get it. you gotta go to court and fight for it most of the time. they'll send you to more doctors to confirm the diagnosis and that its interfering with your work.

sometimes it more effort than its worth

[hunkydorey]

ask your doctor for a sick note and take it too your local jobcentre, you should be able to get it for at least three month, or until your doctor says your better.
Edit.. although ray lynn is spot on with his answer i need to inform you that that is only the case if your applying for sickness benefit for a long period of time, if only for a a few month your doctor sick for three month will cover you, but not working will do nothing to help you with your deppression, a feww weeks will be good for you but then i would recomend the rest of the time focusing on a new career, that will have a far grester effect in your mental well being

[Scott K]

Yes, but it's difficult. The condition must disable you from holding a job.

[Jollysnake216]

This depends on your diagnosis and prognosis

[shaneris5]

I doubt it, and am informed that most people are rejected, and have to appeal. If you have just been using medications, and counselling, why not wean off them, and treat those disorders effectively; see section 2, about depression, on page R first, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and section 6; anxiety; page N first?

Relatively few places are hiring, right now, though. See sections 38, & 47, about the benefits of volunteering, both for your depression, and job prospects. View http://shanelyang.com re job tips. Disability support is not a good lifestyle choice; you would be much better off, financially, and psychologically, if working.

[YA Junkie]

I have major depression and have been on Social Security Disability (SSD) since 2003. This is different than the SSI that someone else mentioned. You will get more money from SSD than from SSI.

SSD is for people who have been in the workplace but can no longer work due to a physical or mental disabilty. SSI is for people who have really never worked and pays just a little bit more than welfare.

Getting SSD can be very difficult depending on the state you live in. I live in New York, and it is extremely hard to get on SSD without a lawyer. Otherwise, your case can drag on for years. Many cases get initially rejected, which forces people either to go on welfare or to go back to a job they are really too sick to handle. You can appeal your case when you are rejected, but it takes a long time to reach a final verdict.

The good news (at least in NYS) is that a lawyer cannot charge a penny unless you win your case. A lawyer can cut through all the red tape and speed up the time to win your case and start collecting Disability. In NYS, you will get one lump sum for all the months you did not work while you were waiting for your case to be decided. The lawyer in NYS will then get about 15% of that lump sum. After that, you will get monthly SSD payments and these are completely yours.

Get a hold of all the medical documentation you can about your depression & anxiety. You will probably also need a letter from your doctor suggesting you cannot work due to your illness. If you have had more than one doctor treat you, get documentation from as many doctors as you can.

Again, it will vary from state to state. You should be able to google for info. Send me an email if necessary.