- Author: Richard Stim
- Feb 04, 2026
Yes, Agoraphobia can be considered a disability if it significantly impairs a person's ability to perform major life activities and meets the eligibility criteria mentioned in the SSA’s Blue Book.
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in various areas, including employment, public accommodations, and government services. To be recognized as a disability under the ADA, agoraphobia must substantially limit one or more major life activities.
If a person's agoraphobia meets the criteria set forth by the SSA and significantly impacts their ability to work or function, they may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. However, eligibility for disability benefits depends on meeting specific medical and non-medical criteria, including work history and financial need.
What is Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by fear of situations or places that might cause embarrassment, panic attacks, or feeling trapped. People with agoraphobia tend to avoid places or situations where they fear they might be unable to escape or find help if they experience intense anxiety or panic.
Types of Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is generally classified into different types based on the specific situations or places that trigger fear and avoidance. The types of agoraphobia include:
Agoraphobia can present in different ways depending on the situations that trigger fear or avoidance. Common types include:
- Agoraphobia with panic disorder – Fear and avoidance driven by recurring panic attacks or fear of having one in public
- Agoraphobia without panic disorder – Avoidance of places due to fear of being trapped or unable to escape, without panic attacks
- Situational agoraphobia – Fear triggered by specific situations such as crowds, public transport, elevators, or open spaces
- Home-bound agoraphobia – Severe form where individuals avoid leaving their home entirely
- Social-related agoraphobia – Fear linked to being observed, judged, or embarrassed in public settings
Symptoms of Agoraphobia
The symptoms of agoraphobia can vary from person to person but generally involve intense anxiety and fear related to specific situations or places. Common symptoms of agoraphobia include:
- Avoidance Behavior: Avoidance of the feared situations or places to prevent feelings of panic or anxiety. This can lead to a restricted lifestyle and difficulty engaging in everyday activities.
- Panic Attacks: Individuals with agoraphobia often experience panic attacks, which are sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort.
- Physical Symptoms: Physical symptoms can accompany anxiety or panic attacks, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and nausea.
- Anxiety in Anticipation: Anxiety or distress when anticipating or thinking about going to the feared places or situations.
- Dependence on Others: Relying on others for support or assistance to go to certain
- Isolation: Avoiding social situations and becoming increasingly isolated due to fear, anxiety, and depression.
Can you get disability benefits for agoraphobia?
Yes, it is possible to get disability benefits for agoraphobia if the condition meets the criteria set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disability eligibility. Agoraphobia may qualify for disability benefits when symptoms such as intense fear, panic attacks, avoidance of public places, or inability to leave home persist despite treatment and are supported by medical documentation showing significant limitations in daily activities and work-related tasks.
Agoraphobia is evaluated in a similar way to other disabilities such as anxiety disorders, depression, diabetes, sleep apnea, and other chronic conditions. Like these conditions, agoraphobia can qualify for disability benefits when it causes ongoing functional limitations such as difficulty concentrating, maintaining attendance, interacting with others, or managing physical or mental demands of work either on its own or in combination with other medical or mental health impairments.
How to apply for agoraphobia disability benefits?
To apply for disability benefits for agoraphobia, follow these steps:
- Gather Medical Records: Collect all medical records related to your agoraphobia, including diagnoses, treatment history, medications, and evaluations
- Document Functional Limitations: Detail how agoraphobia affects your daily life, work, and ability to perform basic activities.
- Complete the Application: Complete the disability benefits application online through the Social Security Administration website or by visiting a local SSA office.
- Follow Up: After submitting your application, stay in touch with the SSA and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
What happens if you do not meet the eligibility criteria of the SSA?
If you do not meet the agoraphobia disability eligibility criteria of the SSA, you will not be considered eligible for disability benefits based solely on agoraphobia. If the SSA determines that your agoraphobia does not meet their disability eligibility criteria, your claim for disability benefits based on agoraphobia will be denied.
The SSA's decision can be appealed if you believe it was made in error or if your medical condition worsens over time. You may want to seek help from a disability lawyer to navigate the application and appeals process effectively.
What is the agoraphobia disability check amount?
The agoraphobia disability check amount may vary depending on the individual's condition. However, an individual may get $4,018 for SSDI and $943 for SSI benefits every month in 2023. The average amount may be nearly $1,170 for mental disorders.
Schedule a consultation with your Agoraphobia Disability Claim
If agoraphobia is making it difficult to work, leave your home, or manage daily life, you don’t have to face the disability process alone. A social security disability lawyer can review your situation, explain your eligibility, and help you pursue the benefits you may be entitled to with confidence and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agoraphobia
What is agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear of situations where escape may be difficult, leading to avoidance of public places, crowds, or leaving home.
Is agoraphobia considered a disability?
Yes, agoraphobia can be considered a disability when it severely limits a person’s ability to leave home, work, or function independently.
Can you get disability benefits for agoraphobia?
Yes, you may qualify for disability benefits if agoraphobia causes persistent panic, fear, or avoidance that prevents full-time employment.
Does agoraphobia qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI or SSI)?
Agoraphobia is not listed on its own, but it can qualify under Social Security’s anxiety or mental disorder listings when symptoms meet severity requirements.
How severe does agoraphobia have to be to qualify for disability?
Agoraphobia must cause ongoing and significant limitations in daily activities, social functioning, or the ability to maintain regular work attendance.
What medical evidence is needed for an agoraphobia disability claim?
Medical records, mental health evaluations, treatment history, and documentation showing functional limitations are required.
Can agoraphobia prevent you from working?
Yes, severe agoraphobia can make it difficult or impossible to travel, attend work consistently, or interact in public or work environments.
Can agoraphobia qualify as a long-term disability?
Yes, agoraphobia may qualify for long-term disability benefits if symptoms are chronic and do not improve with treatment.
Is Agoraphobia a Presumptive VA Disability?
Agoraphobia is not a presumptive VA disability. However, veterans may still qualify for VA disability benefits by establishing a direct service connection, such as showing the condition began during service or is linked to service-related trauma.