Social Security Disability & Anxiety Disorders

Social Security provides disability benefits for people who have anxiety disorders. There are two main types of Social Security disability.

Identification

Anxiety disorders are characterized by abnormal or inappropriate worry or fear, and are divided into physical, psychological and behavioral categories.

Types of Disability Benefits

Social Security disability benefits include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Insurance (SSI). SSDI is available to those who have worked for at least 10 years and have worked recently before their disability. SSI is available for those near poverty level regardless of work history. Other programs include Social Security's Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits and Disabled Adult Child benefits.

Requirements for SSDI

Social Security requires documented evidence of one of five sets of specific symptoms to qualify for disability from an anxiety disorder. In addition, an applicant must show that their condition makes them unable to work.
An individual can qualify regardless of symptoms, however, if they are unable to work because of their illness.

Requirements for SSI

The primary rules of eligibility for SSI are based on a person's income and assets. The standards for eligibility differ by state.

Considerations

An individual can qualify for both SSDI and SSI.

References

• Social Security Administration; Disability Evaluation Under Social Security: 12.00 Mental Disorders - Adult
• American Psychiatric Association; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition; 1994
• Social Security Administration; Social Security Insurance

Resources

• For more basic information on Social Security benefits
• For general, downloadable information on anxiety disorders