- Michael Burry
- Jun 09, 2025
You might qualify for disability benefits if you are unable to maintain consistent employment due to anxiety or panic attacks. As of 2022, over 2.2 million individuals received benefits due to anxiety and other mental health concerns.
We will go over what anxiety entails under the auspices of the Social Security Administration (SSA), the precise circumstances under which it may be considered a disability, and the steps to take if you believe you meet the eligibility criteria.
Is Anxiety a Disability?
Yes, anxiety can be considered a disability, and applicants may qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits. Anxiety qualifies as a disability when it meets certain criteria set by the SSA, particularly when it is considered a mental disorder that significantly impairs daily functioning.
How the SSA defines anxiety
The SSA Blue Book states that individuals with anxiety disorders may have excessive anxiety, worry, or fear that hinders their functioning in daily chores. These symptoms can cause significant limitations in mental functioning, affecting an individual's ability to function at work, in social situations, and in daily activities.
Common Types Of Anxiety
Distinct symptoms and triggers characterize several common types of anxiety disorders. Some of the most prevalent types include
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The SSA also evaluates other mental disorders under similar criteria when determining eligibility for disability benefits.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety symptoms can vary from person to person and depending on the specific type of anxiety disorder. Common symptoms include
- Excessive Worry
- Restlessness or Irritability
- Physical Symptoms
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Sleep Disturbances
- Fatigue
- Changes in Appetite
Can You Get Disability Benefits For Anxiety?
You can get disability for anxiety if your medical condition leaves you unable to work or engage in day-to-day activities. If anxiety qualifies as a disability, you may be eligible for disability payments through the SSA programs. The SSA has strict eligibility criteria for anxiety and mental health conditions.
Anxiety is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book of mental disorders in Section 12.00. If you do not meet the strict medical criteria, you may still qualify for benefits through a medical vocational allowance, which considers both your medical evidence and vocational factors.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before Applying For Anxiety Disability Benefits
Before applying for social security disability for anxiety, it’s essential to consider the following questions:
- Has My Anxiety Been Diagnosed by a Medical Professional?
- Does My Anxiety Prevent Me from Working Consistently?
- Be prepared to provide a detailed work history that shows how your anxiety has affected your ability to maintain employment.
- Have I Been Denied or Fired Due to My Condition?
- Do I Qualify Under the SSA’s Blue Book Listing?
- Have I tried various treatments such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication, or lifestyle changes?
2 Tips For Getting Disability With Anxiety
Three crucial tips for navigating the process of obtaining disability benefits for anxiety:
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Understand Types of Disability Insurance: Familiarize yourself with the types of disability insurance available, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and private long-term disability insurance. Each has specific eligibility criteria and application processes.
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Collaborate with Your Doctor: Maintain open communication with your mental health care provider. Their detailed medical records, diagnoses, and assessments of how your anxiety impairs your ability to work are essential in substantiating your claim.
Eligibility Criteria For Getting Disability With Anxiety
The first thing you need to do to qualify for disability benefits is to have documented proof of your anxiety. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires a medically documented history of your anxiety disorder, confirming the diagnosis and its impact over a period of at least two years to meet their criteria. Moreover, you also need to show proof that your anxiety is not only affecting your mental capabilities, even after receiving years of treatment for anxiety disorder.
An applicant must meet at least one of the following criteria:
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You need to prove you are struggling with anxiety or another mental disorder, as the SSA evaluates anxiety and other mental disorders when determining eligibility.
2A. Your anxiety disorder is limiting your mental capabilities OR
2B. Your anxiety is severe and has been lasting for 2 years or more, and may be considered a serious and persistent mental disorder by the SSA.
To prove that you are struggling with an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety or social anxiety, you must have medical proof that you are struggling with it and experiencing the following symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance
- You tend to become fatigued easily
If you are suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may experience involuntary preoccupation with unwanted thoughts and repeated behavior of this kind. If anyone is experiencing panic disorder, they need to prove that they are experiencing regular panic attacks that are having negative effects on their life.
In addition to mental health disorders, the SSA also considers physical limitations when evaluating disability claims.
What If My Anxiety Meets The Criteria For Disability Benefits?
If your anxiety meets the SSA’s eligibility criteria, you may apply for disability benefits as soon as possible. If approved, you may receive a monthly benefit through SSDI benefits or SSI, depending on your work history and financial situation. The application procedure is lengthy and time-consuming, so it may take a while to get approved for disability and start receiving your monthly benefits.
How Much Is The Average Disability Check For Anxiety?
The average anxiety disability check is approximately $1,232.97. For individuals who qualify for SSDI, the benefit amount will be $3,822; for SSI, the amount will be $943 monthly in 2024.
To gather further details, check out our article detailing potential earnings on SSDI or SSI benefits.
What If My Anxiety Doesn’t Meet The Criteria For Disability Benefits?
If your anxiety does not meet the eligibility criteria of the SSA, you may still apply for the benefits by keeping one thing in mind and that is honesty. If you are filling out your application form without providing any misleading information, there are chance you may get approved for the benefits in the initial phase.
A smaller number of applicants get approved in the initial phase, and the rest are denied. Therefore, a disability lawyer may prove to be helpful at this stage of your disability claim.
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