Is Anxiety A Disability? Does It Qualify For Disability Benefits?

At some point in life, most people will have moments when they feel anxiety – and that is a normal reaction to certain situations. For some people, however, anxiety isn’t a temporary reaction to a stressful situation or season of life. It’s an ongoing disorder characterized by feelings of worry and fear that don’t dissipate with time. In fact, without appropriate treatment, those feelings can grow and worsen to the point where they become debilitating.

Depending on its severity, an anxiety disorder can make it challenging to work or even complete basic everyday tasks. When that is the case, those who suffer from anxiety often wonder if they may qualify for disability benefits. It’s an important question to ask, particularly for those who depend upon their job as their primary source of income.

How Does the Social Security Administration Define Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the government agency that determines whether or not a particular individual has a condition that will qualify for Social Security disability benefits. In order to find that an individual qualifies for benefits, the SSA must make two determinations:

1. First, an individual has a qualifying medical condition.
2. Secondly, the condition has rendered the individual unable to work for a period of twelve consecutive calendar months or more.

In order to make that determination, the Social Security Administration will review a variety of records, medical and otherwise, and various other evidence submitted in support of the claim. As it attempts to determine whether or not a medical condition is a qualifying disability, the SSA will consult its “Blue Book.” Also known as the Listing of Impairments, the Blue Book includes a wide variety of medical conditions that the SSA recognizes as disabling and the various symptoms that often accompany those conditions.

Anxiety is a condition recognized as potentially disabling by the Social Security Administration, and individuals who are able to provide medical proof that they have the condition and that it has rendered them unable to work for at least a year may have a strong chance of being approved for benefits.

According to the SSA, common symptoms of anxiety disorder include:

1. Inability to concentrate.
2. Difficulty sleeping.
3. Excessive anxiety, worry, or fear.
4. Avoidance of certain situations.
5. A variety of other symptoms, depending upon the severity of the condition.

There are also a variety of mental conditions that the SSA considers under the umbrella of “anxiety disorders,” including, but not limited to:

1. Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
2. Generalized anxiety disorder.
3. Social anxiety disorder.
4. Panic disorder.
5. Various phobias.
6. Other conditions which may potentially qualify, depending upon symptoms and medical proof presented.

If you believe that you have an anxiety disorder that includes these or similar symptoms and which has rendered you unable to work, you should consult first with a medical professional for necessary treatment, as well as an attorney who can help you to determine whether or not pursuing a claim for disability benefits is the right choice for your circumstances.

How Much Will I Receive?

This is an understandable question to ask. As with so many legal questions, the answer is, “It depends.” The Social Security Administration typically calculates benefits based on consideration of a variety of factors – but the disability itself is not one of them. Benefits will be calculated in the same manner regardless of the particular medical condition causing the disability.

Factors that the SSA generally considers in determining benefit amounts include work history, the salary earned throughout the course of employment, any other sources of income, and a number of other factors, depending upon the particular circumstances involved. Disability payments will vary based on these factors, but ultimately, the maximum benefit payment that a disabled individual can receive from the Social Security Administration in 2023 is $3,627 per month.

As with all legal matters, to ensure that you assert your rights and seek the maximum amount of compensation you deserve, you will need guidance and representation from knowledgeable and experienced attorneys. At Sackett and Associates, we’re here for you.

Sackett and Associates – Your Disability Attorneys

If you struggle with anxiety, you already have more than enough mental stress. You don’t need the added worry of wondering how to seek the disability benefits you need and deserve. Instead of stress and worry, you can choose confidence and peace of mind.

At Sackett and Associates, our talented and experienced disability attorneys understand the best legal strategies to pursue on your behalf, and we’ll always fully assert and protect your rights. If you have anxiety and wonder whether or not you might qualify for benefits, give us a call. We would welcome the opportunity to speak with you and let you know how we might be able to help.