Depression and not giving up on Social Security Disability   The following paraphrased quote came out of a forum: "She wasn't denied for disability. She actually tried to start the disability application process several years ago based on depression. Because she was depressed, she couldn't complete the process". If you've never worked in any aspect of the Social Security Disability SSI system (and that could be as a field office claims rep, as a disability examiner, as a paralegal, or as a disability attorney or non attorney rep), you may not realize it, but many many people do, in fact, give up on their claims. The person cited in this example apparently gave up during the disability application phase. However, a great many people give on their SSD cases and SSI cases after they've been denied. Related: 1. Filing for disability with depression 2. Can I apply for and qualify for disability with depression? 3. Facts about Major Depressive Disorder (Depression) and Filing for Disability 4. Medical Documentation when you apply for disability with depression 5. How do you apply for disability if you have depression? As an examiner, it was not out of the norm for me to receive cases with "uniques" of 17 or 18. What is a unique? A unique is simply a number on a form (a transmittal form) that indicates on how many separate applications a claimant has filed for disability. Why would you see total unique numbers this high? Generally, when an individual chooses to file brand new applications each time they get denied, instead of filing a disability appeal. I've stated this many times -- if you keep filing new applications for disability, you will probably just keep getting denied. If you file appeals, on the other hand, you will probably get denied on your first appeal, the request for reconsideration; however, this will allow you to proceed to the next step in the disability appeal process, which is to request a disability hearing. And claimants who go to hearings stand roughly a one in two chance of being approved, with the advantage going to claimants who have representation. In essence, you should never give up on a disability claim. You should simply file a claim knowing that, statistically, you have a good chance of being denied, but also knowing that if you continue to pursue your claim through the appeal process, the eventual odds of winning disability benefits may actually be in your favor. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Filing an SSI appeal Social Security Disability advocates Application tip for filing for Social Security Disability or SSI How long to get a Social Security decision letter? How far back Social Security will pay SSDI or SSI SSI award notices are received by approved claimants Filing for disability with sciatica How does the Social Security Disability Appeal Process work? Are SSDI and SSI Benefits Normally Continued After A Continuing Disability Review? Forms to appeal a Social Security Disability denial Expectations for your disability lawyer Disability lawyers with high success rates Can I earn more and get Social Security Disability? Forms to complete when filing, applying for disability Eligibility for disability and who qualifies