How to Get Short-Term Disability for Your Anxiety or Depression

Please note: our blog posts are solely informational and are not meant to replace individualized therapeutic advice or healthcare.

Living with anxiety or depression can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing these conditions in the workplace.

The good news is that short-term disability can provide much-needed support during difficult times. We’re showing you how to get short-term disability approved for anxiety and depression so you can navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

What is Short-Term Disability for Mental Health?

Short-term disability is a type of insurance that provides income replacement for individuals who are unable to work due to a temporary disability, such as anxiety or depression.

Unlike other types of disability insurance, short-term disability specifically covers mental health conditions, recognizing the impact these conditions can have on a person's ability to work.

Short term disability for mental health typically covers a portion of your income for a specified period, allowing you to focus on your recovery without worrying about financial strain.

The coverage can include benefits such as payment for medical treatments, therapy sessions, and other expenses related to your mental health condition.

How Long is Short-Term Disability?

The duration of short-term disability benefits for anxiety and depression can vary depending on the policy and the severity of your condition.

In general, short-term disability benefits can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, with the average duration being around three to six months. It’s important to note that the duration of your benefits will be determined by your insurance policy and the recommendations of your healthcare provider.

Factors like the nature of your condition, your treatment plan, and your ability to work will all be taken into consideration when figuring out how to get short-term disability approved for anxiety and depression.

There also may be variations in the duration of short-term disability benefits based on different policies or circumstances.

Some policies may have specific provisions for mental health conditions that could impact the length of your benefits, so make sure to review your policy carefully and understand your coverage.

Reasons Short-Term Disability Can Be Denied

While short-term disability can provide crucial support for individuals dealing with anxiety and depression, it's essential to be aware of common reasons why claims may be denied.

Understanding these reasons can help you navigate the application process more effectively and increase your chances of approval. In fact, it might not be a matter of how to get short-term disability approved for anxiety and depression, but if it’s possible in your situation.

Insufficient Medical Evidence

One of the most common reasons for the denial of short-term disability claims for anxiety and depression is insufficient medical evidence.

Insurance providers typically require thorough documentation and medical records to support the severity and impact of your condition on your ability to work.

To strengthen your disability claim, you’ll need to gather comprehensive medical evidence, including:

• Diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional

• Treatment history, including medications and therapies

• Reports from mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists

• Any relevant test results or evaluations

Not Reaching Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for short-term disability benefits, you must meet certain criteria, including:

• Meeting the definition of disability outlined in your insurance policy

• Having a diagnosis of anxiety or depression from a qualified healthcare professional

• Proving an inability to perform your job duties due to your condition

As mentioned, you’ll need to review your insurance policy carefully to understand the eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet all requirements before submitting your claim.

Not Complying with Treatment Plans

Active participation in treatment is often seen as a crucial factor in the recovery process, and failure to comply with treatment plans may be viewed as a lack of effort to improve your condition.

To improve the likelihood of approval, you need to be actively participating in and complying with your treatment plan.

This may include attending therapy sessions, taking medications as prescribed, and following any other recommendations from your healthcare providers.

Disability Duration

Insurance providers typically assess the expected duration of your disability based on the severity of your condition, your treatment plan, and other relevant factors. Factors that may influence the determination of disability duration include:

• The nature of your anxiety or depression

• The effectiveness of your treatment

• Your ability to perform job duties

Is Short-Term Disability Worth It?

After exploring the process of getting short-term disability approved for anxiety and depression, you might be wondering if it's really a worthwhile option for managing these conditions in the workplace.

The decision to pursue short-term disability coverage is a personal one and depends on many factors, like your individual circumstances and the nature of your condition.

Here are some potential benefits and drawbacks of short-term disability coverage for mental health conditions:

Benefits of Short-Term Disability

• Financial support: Short-term disability can provide much-needed financial support if you're unable to work due to anxiety or depression, helping you cover essential expenses during your recovery period.

• Focus on recovery: By taking time off work with short-term disability benefits, you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of trying to meet work demands.

• Job security: Short-term disability can help protect your job security, as it allows you to take time off work without the risk of losing your job due to your condition.

Drawbacks of Short-Term Disability

• Limited duration: Short-term disability benefits typically have a limited duration, which may not be sufficient for individuals with severe or long-term mental health conditions.

• Financial considerations: While short-term disability provides income replacement, the amount may be less than your regular salary, which could impact your financial stability.

• Application process: The application process for short-term disability can be complex and may require thorough documentation to support your claim.

Ultimately, the decision on how to get short-term disability approved for anxiety and depression depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks carefully and consider consulting with a healthcare professional or financial advisor to make an informed decision. 

If you feel your time would be better spent starting with therapy sessions first, schedule a free Access Therapy consultation. We would love to be a part of your self-care journey!