My husband has depression which keeps him from working. Could he receive disability based on depression if he has no physical problems?
The Social Security Administration recognizes that depression can prevent a person from being able to work even though they may be physically able to work. Examples which would show the depression is severe enough for disability would be as follows: Have four of the following • Loss of interest in almost all activities; or • Loss of appetite with change in weight; or • Sleep disturbance; or • Psychomotor agitation or retardation; or • Decreased energy; or • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness; or • Difficulty concentrating or thinking; or • Thoughts of suicide; or • Hallucinations, delusions or paranoid thinking. And also two of the following: • Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or • Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or • Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace; or • Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration. If your husband’s depression is this severe, he would normally be considered disabled. Mac
