Anxiety Disorders

Social Security sees many applications for disability where anxiety is claimed as either the primary or secondary complaint. Also common are claims of PTSD, panic disorder, OCD, and social anxiety or phobias. But not many cases of anxiety or a related disorder are severe enough to qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI). Disability benefits are available only to those disability applicants whose anxiety causes a severe impact on their lives: their social functioning, their ability to take care of themselves independently, and their ability to concentrate and complete tasks. The Social Security Adminstration (SSA) provides guidance as to just how severe anxiety disorder must be, and how it must be documented by the patient's psychologist or psychiatrist, in order for it to render a person eligible for benefits.

Disability for Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Disorder: Win Your Social Security Disability Claim

Those whose anxiety has a severe, negative impact on their lives and their ability to work and function socially may be able to get disability benefits.
Can I Get Disability Benefits for Social Anxiety?

If you suffer from social anxiety that causes you to stay at home, you may be able to get disability benefits.
How Moderate Depression or Anxiety Affects a Claim for Physical Disability Benefits

People living with chronic physical conditions frequently suffer from depression or anxiety in addition to their physical impairment.
Social Security Disability and SSI Benefits for OCD

If Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects your ability to work, you should be able to get disability benefits from Social Security. Learn more here.
Social Security Disability Benefits for Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder

Can you get ssd ssi disability for panic attacks?
Social Security Disability for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

To get disability for PTSD, Social Security needs to see evidence of past trauma, current symptoms, and severe limitations.

Disability for Related Disorders

Getting Disability for Eating Disorders as an Adult

Disability applicants with anorexia nervosa are usually approved for benefits, unless they have recovered to a great extent.
SSI Disability Benefits for Children and Teenagers With Anorexia or Other Eating Disorders

Teenagers and children who have serious eating disorders that are causing functional limitations may qualify for SSI.
Disability Claimant Wrongly Denied Benefits for Conversion Disorder

This article discusses a real Social Security disability claim for conversion disorder that was denied and appealed to federal court. I'll explain the history of the case and the 2016 decision from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Questions on Getting Disability for Anxiety-Related Problems

Can I Get Disability Benefits if Agoraphobia Keeps Me From Leaving My House?

Agoraphobia is a mental impairment that fits within the category of anxiety disorders. Agoraphobia involves a person’s fear of experiencing anxiety and panic attacks in public places.
Can I File for Disability for Stress?

Social Security evaluates stress and nerves in the same way as generalized anxiety.
Can I Get Social Security Disability for a Somatoform Disorder?

With a proper psychiatric diagnosis and documentation of your symptoms and limitations, you may be able to get disability benefits for somatoform disorder.

Talk to a Disability Lawyer

Need a lawyer? Start here.

How it Works

Briefly tell us about your case
Provide your contact information
Choose attorneys to contact you