“Disability” is a broad term that can apply to a variety of physical and mental disorders, including major depressive disorder (also known as clinical depression). Different organizations — legal, medical, and social — have different definitions of “disability.” These definitions can affect your daily life, including your eligibility for disability benefits.

If you live in the United States and are diagnosed with depression, here are five facts you should know about legal protections, disability benefits, and accommodations at work.

1. No Paperwork Is Needed To Be Protected Under the Americans With Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in their day-to-day lives. Under the ADA, a person is considered to have a disability if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• They have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
• They have a history or record of such an impairment (such as cancer that’s in remission).
• They are perceived by others as having such an impairment (such as visible scars from a severe burn).

Because the ADA is a law rather than a benefits program, you don’t have to complete any paperwork to be considered disabled. If you meet one of the criteria above, you’re automatically protected against discrimination as an employee in the workplace, a business customer, and a participant in government programs.

“I am currently fighting for disability, and they said it could take a year or longer. I don't know if I can wait that long.”

— A MyDepressionTeam member

“Being discriminated against at work,” wrote one MyDepressionTeam member. Another responded, “I have been in that situation.”

2. Eligibility for Disability Benefits Requires Meeting Certain Criteria

According to current regulations of the Social Security Administration (SSA), you may be eligible for disability benefits if your health condition prevents you from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death.

The condition must also prevent you from doing the kind of work you did before and from adapting to new types of work.

Two different federal programs provide disability income benefits:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

They both use the same medical and functional ability criteria. However, SSDI eligibility depends on your work history, so you’ll need comprehensive documentation about your work history and medical status. SSI is a need-based benefit that takes into consideration your income and assets.

Both programs require you to show that you have severe depression that interferes with your daily activities.

MyDepressionTeam members have had a variety of experiences when it comes to filing for disability benefits.

• “I have filed for my disability, and yes, I am not supposed to work any more than 29 hours a week — concerned about making my depression worse.”
• “Got denied Social Security disability, now what?”
• “I am currently fighting for disability, and they said it could take a year or longer. I don’t know if I can wait that long.”

You may be eligible for disability benefits if your health condition prevents you from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death.

Applying for and appealing Social Security disability benefits can be a tedious and stressful process, but you’re not alone in your experience.

Applying for Disability

Applying for SSDI or SSI benefits involves multiple steps and can take time. To give yourself the best chance at a smoother process, it’s important to understand the basics.

If you’re applying for disability benefits for a depressive disorder, the SSA uses criteria from the “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security” — commonly called the “Blue Book.” To qualify, you must experience at least five of the following symptoms:

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest in most activities
• Changes in appetite with weight loss or gain
• Sleep disturbance
• Psychomotor changes (either agitation or slowed movements or speech, often due to anxiety or cognitive issues)
• Low energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or feelings of guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking
• Thoughts of death

Note: If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chatting online. You can also get support from the confidential Crisis Text Line by texting 741741 or chatting online.

In addition, you must meet one of these two conditions:

• You have either two marked limitations or one extreme limitation in mental functioning, such as challenges with understanding, social interaction, concentration, or managing daily life.
• You have a serious and persistent depressive disorder, documented for at least two years, with ongoing treatment and limited ability to adapt to changes.

You can apply for SSDI or SSI online, over the phone, or in person. Depending on your needs, you may want to speak with a lawyer, an advocate, or even your elected officials for help navigating the system.

The application steps, generally, are as follows:

1. Gather your information and necessary documents.
2. Submit your application.
3. Your application is reviewed to make sure you meet basic eligibility requirements.
4. The SSA verifies your work credits (for SSDI) or financial need (for SSI).
5. SSA evaluates any current work activity.
6. Your application is processed and forwarded to your state’s Disability Determination Services office to determine medical eligibility.
7. SSA notifies you of your eligibility with a letter via U.S. mail.

Eligibility criteria may change, as federal laws and regulations are always subject to revision. In 2024, the SSA simplified the application process, reducing the work review period to the past five years. It’s important to check current regulations and eligibility requirements as they may change over time.

If your application is denied, you have several options to ask the SSA to take another look at your case. These include:

• Asking for reconsideration
• Requesting a hearing with an administrative law judge
• Filing an appeal
• Pursuing a case in federal district court

You must start the appeal process within 60 days of getting your denial letter.

3. An Official Diagnosis and Thorough Documentation Are Essential for Disability Benefits

Navigating the mental healthcare system can feel overwhelming. However, if you’re applying for disability benefits, having an official diagnosis and a healthcare provider who can support your claim is essential.

When reviewing your application, the SSA will need detailed information about your medical condition, including:

• The names, addresses, and phone numbers of the doctors, clinics, and hospitals where you’ve received care
• Dates of visits and treatments
• A list of all prescribed medications, including dosages and the name of the prescribing provider
• Copies of medical records and results from any tests, along with the name of the doctor who ordered them

Being organized and thorough with your documentation can help your application move more smoothly — and improve your chances of approval.

4. Your Employer Must Keep Your Requests for Accommodations Confidential

In the U.S., people with disabilities are protected against discrimination in the workplace, and they’re not required to disclose their diagnosis at any point during or after the hiring process. In most cases, the only time you’d need to let your employer know about your condition is if you’re requesting work accommodations.

A person diagnosed with depression may request accommodations such as:

• A modified work schedule (for example, to attend weekly therapy appointments)
• A different way to receive feedback from your manager (such as written instructions instead of verbal ones)

Any medical information you share as part of your accommodation request is confidential. Your employer is legally required to keep that information private and cannot share it with others in your workplace.

5. Whether or Not You Qualify for Benefits, You Deserve Support and Understanding

Whether or not your depression qualifies as a disability based on the ADA or SSA definition, symptoms of depression can make it difficult to stay socially connected or enjoy activities you used to love. That’s not your fault.

Mental health conditions, just like physical disabilities, should be met with understanding from the people around you, including friends, family, and your community. Clinical depression and depressive episodes can interfere significantly with your daily life.

Fighting the Stigma

It helps to have people who truly understand what you’re going through. One member described the support they get from MyDepressionTeam: “I really like this site. It’s great to be able to talk to people who know exactly what you’re going through. I don’t get that at home sometimes. I know my husband tries, but sometimes it’s too much for him.”

You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to your healthcare provider about resources that may be available to you. They can help you access treatment, support groups, and social services — tools that can help you live more fully.

Join the Conversation

On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with depression, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you filed for disability benefits or asked for work accommodations for your depression diagnosis? Do you have any tips for others? Let others know in the comments below.