I've read several posts here and researched SSD on the net so I know the basics. Back in '92 or so a therapist and psychiatrist helped me file for disability. I was denied even with a therapist, pdoc, and my personal doctor. The pdoc explained to me that almost everyone is denied initially and I should appeal. I just couldn't follow up on it. I was a wreck mentally and felt like I didn't deserve disability and didn't want to battle any bureaucracy. I was afraid of my own government. Silly I know but that was my mindset.
I'm being encouraged by family to file for SSD due to depression. I don't like the idea much but I won't be a financial burden to family and I think the chances of ever being meaningfully employed and independent again are slim.
I think my chances of being approved for disability are also slim. I haven't seen anything relevant to my situation posted here so I'll give some details and see what advice I get.
I'll be 56 years old in September. I worked 4 out of the last 10 years. Three of the last ten years were spent as caregiver to my mother. I've paid enough FICA taxes to qualify. Last time I was in therapy was from about 1988 until about 1993. I received medication consultations and meds at MHMRA for 2 to 3 years in the mid to late 90's. Not sure about the dates there. I was discharged from MHMRA services for either "lack of progress" or budget cuts. I was given one reason by a doctor and the other from my case worker. Since then I've seen an MD for medication. So I've been on various meds since 1988. Geez, that's embarrassing.
I know that documentation of depression and how it prevents one from working is the key to approval. I don't feel I have a good case since I haven't had psychiatric care for a long time and I worked full time from approximately a year after my mother died until about three years ago.