How to Continue Disability Benefits With Depression & Anxiety

Prior to the Mental Health Parity Act of 2008, insurance companies and the government did not regard mental illnesses like anxiety and depression as equal to physical conditions, like cancer or paralysis, to determine eligibility for disability benefits. Now, many companies offer employees temporary disability benefits or medical leave for health concerns that prevent an individual from working, including an onset of major depression or debilitating anxiety. Individuals can apply to the Social Security Administration to continue these benefits beyond what employers or insurance companies offer. Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a lengthy process.

Things You'll Need

• Application forms (online)
• Disability report forms (online)
• Authorization forms (printable)
• Medical documentation
• Social Security card
• Most recent W-2 forms
• Insurance claim history
• Military discharge papers (if applicable)
• Bank routing and account numbers (optional)
• Social Security Statement (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Collect and organize supporting documents:

  Medical records (doctor visits, prescription information, hospital bills, test results)

  Proof of current and prior-year income (W-2 form, job history)

  Insurance claims pertaining to anxiety/depression treatment

  Personal information (Social Security cards, Social Security Statement, contact information)

  Military discharge records, including dates of active duty service, if applicable

• 2

  Fill out the online application form. If application is approved and you desire direct deposit payments, include bank routing and account numbers.

• 3

  Fill out online Social Security Disability Report. Employer information, work history, and medical records are submitted in this part of the application.

• 4

  Fill out and sign the Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration form. This form must be completed and signed by hand and submitted by mail or in person at a Social Security office.