I've read a lot about assets, and if you've been working. From what I read, you have to have been working 5 of the past 10 years. What happens if you've been at home for 10 years, and depression prevents you from returning to the work force? If you have the support of a doctor and have tried several meds, what would you do then? What exactly would you apply for and what do you think your chances of approval would be?

Whether or not you qualify for disability benefits can vary from state to state, but, to the best of my knowledge, the fact that you have not worked in 10 years will not be the sole factor in determining eligibility. Apply for the benefits. You will have to meet with a government appointed doctor who will at least be instrumental in the decision. I think you will ned to apply at a federal office, one that handles Social Security case benefits. You may need to apply twice, as often, people are denied the first time they make a claim. There are also law firms that specialize in getting a claimant benefits, but they can take 20% of your past benefits (I think). IF you do qualify, you may get benefits dating from a few months after the date that has been determined that you became disabled. In any case, seek therapy. Even if you can't pay for it, there are clinics that can help.

Disability is for those not able to do any type of work, something which is deemed hard to prove, which is why we hear that so many have been denied disability even with an adequate work record.

You most likely would qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which pays less than disability.