Anxiety can affect all aspects of your life. If it is severe enough, it can make it difficult for you to work or perform daily tasks.
Despite this, many people do not realize that an anxiety disorder may qualify as a disability under SSA guidelines.
What are the symptoms of anxiety disorder?
Symptoms of anxiety include restlessness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, irritability and muscle tension.
The SSA considers anxiety a disability if you have three or more of these symptoms.
Can you receive SSDI benefits for anxiety?
In addition to having symptoms of anxiety, you must demonstrate that your anxiety affects your mental function or has persisted despite medical treatment.
When evaluating whether your anxiety affects your mental function enough to qualify as a disability, the SSA considers the following:
- Your ability to understand and apply information
- Your ability to interact with others
- Your ability to concentrate
- Your ability to self-manage and adapt to situations
If you experience some limitation in at least two of these areas or extreme limitation in one, and you have at least three symptoms, your anxiety may qualify as a disability for the purpose of receiving SSDI benefits.
Without these limitations, you may still be eligible for SSDI if you have at least three symptoms and your anxiety is “serious and persistent.” According to the SSA’s definition, this means that you have been receiving consistent treatment for anxiety for at least two years with only marginal improvement.
Physical disabilities are not the only disabilities that can qualify for SSDI. If you have severe anxiety, you may be eligible to receive benefits that can help you live a better life.