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How much Disability Can You Get for Depression and Anxiety?

If you live with depression or anxiety that interferes with your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits provide financial assistance to individuals whose conditions prevent them from maintaining substantial employment. Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, are recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as potential disabilities when they meet certain criteria. The team at GCC Law has extensive experience helping individuals with mental health disabilities apply for and win the benefits they deserve.

What Does the Social Security Consider a Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as a condition that significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities. This limitation must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death. Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, are recognized on the same basis as physical impairments. To qualify, you must demonstrate that your symptoms meet the SSA’s criteria and prevent you from maintaining substantial gainful activity (SGA).

For 2025, the SSA considers SGA earnings above $1,470 per month ($2,460 for blind individuals) as evidence that you are not disabled. Therefore, your condition must prevent you from earning at least this amount through work.

How Does the Social Security Evaluate Depression and Anxiety?

The SSA evaluates depression and anxiety under its Blue Book, which lists specific medical criteria for various conditions. Depression falls under the category of “Depressive, Bipolar, and Related Disorders,” while anxiety is evaluated under “Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders.”

To qualify based on depression, you must meet specific symptoms, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, or physical symptoms like changes in sleep or appetite. For anxiety, the focus is on symptoms like excessive worry, panic attacks, or difficulty controlling fears that significantly impair your daily functioning.

Additionally, the SSA considers how these symptoms affect your ability to function in four areas:

  • Understanding and applying information
  • Interacting with others
  • Maintaining concentration and persistence
  • Adapting to changes or managing yourself in a work setting

If your condition severely impacts at least two of these areas or meets other outlined criteria, you may qualify for benefits. GCC Law can review your medical records to determine if your symptoms meet the SSA’s requirements and help you present the strongest case possible.

What If You Don’t Meet the Blue Book Criteria?

Even if your condition doesn’t align perfectly with the Blue Book criteria, you could still qualify for benefits. The SSA uses a process called a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment to evaluate your ability to work despite your limitations. This assessment considers your medical records, doctors’ opinions, and witness statements about how your condition affects your daily life.

For instance, if your depression or anxiety makes it impossible to meet deadlines, maintain regular attendance, or communicate effectively with coworkers, the SSA could determine that you’re unable to sustain employment. A detailed RFC assessment can strengthen your case even if your condition is not an exact match to the Blue Book criteria.

At GCC Law, we specialize in preparing detailed RFC documentation and collecting the evidence necessary to demonstrate how your condition affects your ability to work.

How Much Can You Receive in Disability Benefits?

The amount you receive depends on the type of disability benefits you’re eligible for. The SSA administers two primary programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

For SSDI, your monthly benefit is based on your lifetime earnings and contributions to Social Security through payroll taxes. The average SSDI payment for 2025 is approximately $1,483 per month, but individual payments vary widely depending on your earnings history. Some individuals receive less, while others may receive over $3,600 per month.

SSI benefits are intended for individuals with limited income and resources. For 2025, the maximum federal SSI benefit is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. Some states supplement this amount with additional payments.

Can You Qualify for Both SSDI and SSI?

It’s possible to qualify for both SSDI and SSI if your SSDI benefit amount is low and you meet SSI’s strict financial requirements. This is called “concurrent benefits.” For example, if you receive a small SSDI payment because your work history is limited, SSI could provide additional financial assistance.

How Do You Prove That Depression and Anxiety Make You Disabled?

Proving a disability caused by depression or anxiety requires thorough documentation. The SSA places significant weight on medical evidence, so consistent treatment from mental health professionals is essential. Records from your psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist should detail your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress. You should note that a record of missed appointments or sporadic attendance at recommended treatment or therapy sessions can damage your changes of winning benefits.

In addition, the SSA will consider evidence including:

  • Testimony from family members or coworkers about how your condition affects your daily life
  • Records showing hospitalizations, medication trials, or participation in therapy
  • Statements from medical professionals explaining your inability to work due to your condition

Combining detailed medical records with personal accounts of how your condition impacts your life can make your claim more compelling. GCC Law has a proven track record of helping clients gather and present the necessary evidence to win disability claims for mental health conditions.

What Happens If Your Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied?

If your initial application is denied, don’t lose hope. Many disability claims are denied at the first stage. You have the right to appeal the decision, and many individuals are ultimately approved after filing an appeal.

The appeals process includes several steps:

  • Reconsideration: A new review of your application by a different SSA representative.
  • Hearing: A chance to present your case before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
  • Appeals Council: A review of the ALJ’s decision if you disagree with it.
  • Federal Court: The final level of appeal if the SSA denies your claim at all previous levels.

Filing a strong appeal usually involves gathering additional evidence, obtaining updated medical opinions, and addressing the reasons for the initial denial. GCC Law can guide you through every stage of the appeals process, helping you avoid common pitfalls and improving your chances of success.

How GCC Law Can Help

Depression and anxiety are serious conditions that can affect every aspect of your life, including your ability to work. If your symptoms prevent you from maintaining employment, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. GCC Law knows well the unique challenges of securing benefits for mental health conditions and is here to help you every step of the way. From filing your initial application to appealing a denial, their team provides the knowledge and support you need to obtain the benefits you deserve.