Social security disability benefits are in place to help people who have a medical condition that prevents them from working regular hours. Not only is it for physical conditions, but for mental ones as well. Anxiety disorders are among the mental disorders that may grant you benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), though you should be aware it can be trickier proving why you need benefits.
It is not in place for just anyone with anxiety, but someone who suffers severe symptoms as a result of their anxiety disorder. Here is more information about getting social security disability for your anxiety disorder.
How Anxiety Disorders Qualify as a Disability
As is the case with all mental disorders covered under the disability listing, you must show that your anxiety disorder causes severe symptoms. They will need to keep you from performing basic tasks that keep you from sustaining employment. This includes the inability to complete work-related tasks, having your thinking or judgment affected by the anxiety, and having social anxieties so severe that you can't interact with others in a social setting.
With anxiety specifically, this might include feeling faint, having muscle tension, hypervigilance, or sweating constantly due to the anxiety. You might fear environments, people, or things while at work. You may also deal with severe panic attacks that you can't control.
Required Medical Evidence for Social Security Disability
The SSA won't just take your word for it; they need to have solid evidence showing how your anxiety disorder affects you. You can't apply for social security disability unless you have sought medical attention from a licensed doctor. This often includes beginning with a visit to your primary doctor to rule out other reasons for your symptoms, then a visit to a therapist, counselor, or psychologist.
If you have been diagnosed with severe panic attack disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or agoraphobia, you will be more likely to be approved for social security disability. Your medical records must show you have visited doctors to try and get treatment for your anxiety, that you have been diagnosed, and show what treatments you have received.
The proof for anxiety also needs to show how it affects you on a daily basis. Think about what the result of the anxiety disorder is. Are you afraid to leave the house? Do you feel unsafe in a work environment? Do you lack the ability to converse with others? Is your memory, focus or concentration affected? These things would keep you from being employed, which could mean you could receive disability benefits.
Filing the Disability Claim
Once you have sought proper medical attention for your anxiety disorder, talk to a lawyer specializing in social security disability claims. They will help you compile the evidence you need and help you fill out the claim for benefits. They can be helpful during every step of the file claiming process, including if your original claim is denied and you need to file an appeal. (For more information on obtaining a lawyer, speak with one such as Mckown Jim Attorney At Law or another)
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