Is there a claim for disability pension in case of mental illness?
January 18, 2024 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Lucas Schmidt
Dear attorney specializing in social insurance law,
I am contacting you because due to my mental illness, I am no longer able to work in my profession. My name is Wilhelm Schmitt, I am 45 years old, and I have been working as an office clerk for 20 years. One year ago, I was diagnosed with a severe depression which has worsened in recent months. I have already undergone several therapies and medication trials, but my condition has not improved.
Due to my illness, I have been unable to work for several months and am receiving sick pay from my health insurance. Now I am wondering if I am eligible for disability pension. I am very worried about my financial future, as my sick pay is limited and I do not know how long I will continue to be unable to work.
Could you please provide me with information on whether mental illnesses such as depression entitle one to disability pension? What are the requirements that need to be met and how can I apply for disability pension? Are there specific assessments or medical documents that I need for my application?
I thank you in advance for your help and support. It would greatly assist me if you could provide clarity on my legal options in this difficult situation.
Sincerely,
Wilhelm Schmitt
Dear Mr. Schmitt,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as a lawyer specializing in social security law. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe depression and are no longer able to perform your job as an office clerk. In cases like this, the question of eligibility for disability pension can be crucial for financial security and future prospects.
In general, it is possible to have a claim for disability pension with mental illnesses such as depression. The requirement is that you are permanently unable to work, meaning that you are not able to work at least three hours a day for the foreseeable future. This is usually supported by medical assessments and documents demonstrating your work incapacity due to the mental illness.
To apply for disability pension, you need to contact the German Pension Insurance (DRV). There, you can submit an application for disability pension and provide all the necessary documents. In addition to medical reports confirming your diagnosis and work incapacity, other documents such as therapy reports, treatment plans, and medical history may be relevant. It is important to gather all relevant medical records and findings to support your application for disability pension.
The decision on eligibility for disability pension will be made by the DRV based on the submitted documents and assessments. However, additional examinations or assessments may be requested to verify the disability. In any case, it is advisable to seek assistance from a lawyer specializing in social security law to ensure that your application for disability pension is correct and complete.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you success in your application for disability pension. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am available to help.
Best regards,
Lucas Schmidt
