How to Get Social Security Disability Benefits for Depression in Minnesota

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Mental health issues such as depression can strike you deeply, leaving you unable to function.  If you have this level of depression that is expected to last a year or more, you can receive Social Security Disability benefits in Minnesota.

The Social Security Administration evaluates the severity of depression in line with the typical clinical symptoms.  To meet or equal Social Security’s defined standards, you must have 4 or more of the following symptoms consistently documented in your medical records over time: 

• Anhedonia,
• Appetite disturbance,
• Sleep disturbance,
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation,
• Decreased energy,
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness,
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking,
• Thoughts of suicide, or
• Hallucinations or paranoid thinking. 

Social Security not only verifies that you have a depression diagnosis and some of these symptoms, but it also determines your symptoms impact your daily functioning.  Social Security examines your day-to-day activities, your social functioning, and your ability to complete tasks at a reasonable pace. 

If you are considering an attorney, realize that not all representation is alike.  Non-attorneys can do well representing people before the Social Security Administration, but anyone can claim to be an “advocate” without any education or training.  Only a licensed attorney can give legal advice.  Seek a licensed attorney with experience handling Social Security hearings. 

At Hoglund Law Offices, our attorneys focus on representing Social Security claimants.  Some of the legal questions our clients ask include:

• What will a judge ask me at the hearing?
• Are there any special laws or rulings in my favor?
• How does my medical evidence compare with others who have been approved before the same judge?

Arguing Social Security claims before the federal government can be difficult.  For answers to these and any other legal questions, please feel free to contact Hoglund Law Offices today for a free initial consultation.  We want to help.