Is Anxiety a Disability? Can You Get Disability for Anxiety?

Is Anxiety A Disability?

Anxiety itself is not a disability, but it can be considered a disability if it significantly impairs a person’s ability to perform major life activities, as defined by laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The determination depends on the specific circumstances and may require medical documentation. Regardless of its legal classification, managing anxiety and seeking treatment is crucial.

Not every anxiety disorder is severe enough to qualify a person for Social Security disability benefits. Only those who experience a powerful and “marked” impact on their lives due to their condition are eligible for disability benefits.

For instance, a person with mild anxiety who can still shower, dress, grocery shopping, and prepare meals daily will probably not qualify for assistance. On the other hand, people who have substantial difficulties concentrating, leaving the house to run errands, or engaging in other regular daily activities may be eligible.

Is Anxiety And Depression Considered A Disability?

The SSA further stipulates that the handicap must be long-lasting in addition to the criterion that the anxiety must be severe enough. Accordingly, the applicant’s inability to work owing to anxiety had to have lasted 12 months at the time of the application or had to be anticipated to do so.

The SSA offers guidelines about the level of anxiety or worries a person must have to qualify for benefits. The SSA’s listing of impairments, which is a list of recognized disabilities, contains this advice. The listing includes information on the symptoms and restrictions a person must experience for a specific condition to be classified as debilitating.

Social Security’s Listing for Anxiety

Social Security has a specific listing for evaluating anxiety-related disorders when determining eligibility for disability for anxiety benefits. This listing falls under the broader category of mental disorders. To qualify for Social Security Disability for anxiety benefits based on an anxiety disorder, an individual’s condition must meet specific criteria outlined in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Listing of Impairments, often called the “Blue Book.”

The specific list for anxiety-related disorders is under Section 12.06 – Anxiety-Related Disorders. To be eligible for disability for anxiety benefits under this listing, an individual typically needs to provide medical evidence showing the following:

• A medically documented diagnosis of a recognized anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder.
• Persistent, excessive, and irrational anxiety that results in at least one of the following:
  • Marked restrictions in daily living activities.
  • Significant difficulties in maintaining social functioning.
  • Considerable difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace.
• Evidence of at least two of the following:
  • Marked limitations in activities of daily living.
  • Notable difficulties in maintaining social functioning.
  • Significant difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace.
  • Repeated episodes of decompensation (experiencing worsening symptoms or inability to function) within 12 months.

Can I get a disability for anxiety? Qualifying for Social Security Disability for anxiety benefits due to an anxiety-related disorder can be a complex process, and you’ll need to provide thorough medical documentation and evidence to support your claim.

Social Security evaluates each case individually, and the specific criteria and requirements may evolve. It’s highly recommended to consult with a legal professional or advocate experienced in Social Security disability claims to navigate the application process effectively.

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6.8 million

GAD affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% receive treatment.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

0.18%

Around 0.18% of people have delusional disorder.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): is marked by a continuous state of tension or worry lasting for at least six months, unrelated to specific events.
• Panic disorder: involves recurrent, unprovoked anxiety or terror attacks lasting up to ten minutes.
• Social anxiety disorder (social phobia): is characterized by the fear of negative evaluation by others.
• Phobias: are irrational and overwhelming fears that lead to avoiding everyday objects, events, or situations, including social ones.
• Agoraphobia: is defined by the fear of leaving the safety of one’s home.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): features persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Although some experts no longer classify OCD as an anxiety disorder, the Social Security Administration (SSA) still evaluates it as such.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): is now assessed by the SSA under a separate listing for trauma- and stressor-related disorders, and it is no longer considered an anxiety disorder.