Disability Benefits for Anxiety

When applying for Social Security disability benefits for anxiety, there are some things that people with anxiety disorders should do to ensure a successful claim.

In order to qualify for SSA benefits, a person must be able to show that they have been unable to work for at least 12 months due to an anxiety disorder. For instance, a person might be unable to work because they become anxious to the point of fainting when in public.

There’s also some medical evidence that a person with an anxiety disorder should be prepared to gather when applying for benefits with the Social Security Administration. First of all, an applicant needs doctor’s notes that show that they’ve been consistently complaining of difficulties with anxiety and any treatments that have been prescribed.

People who want to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance need to show records from their doctor that they have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Within the documents, there must also be records of at least three of the following symptoms: concentration difficulties, restlessness, tense muscles, irritability, sleep disturbances, or general tiredness.

People who meet at least three of the above criteria must also demonstrate that they have severe problems in at least one or marked problems in at least two of the following areas while at work: difficulties concentrating enough to finish tasks, difficulties socially interacting in appropriate ways, difficulties remembering and learning new things, or difficulties adapting to new situations.

If a person doesn’t meet the above criteria, the SSA will administer a Residual Functional Capacity test to determine which tasks the person can and cannot do. For instance, there might be time limits on certain tasks, depending on the triggers for panic attacks.

How We Can Help

There are several ways in which the team at Osterhout Berger Disability Law can help you receive the benefit you deserve. We help individuals who need to…

• Apply for Social Security Benefits and want to ensure everything is done right the first time
• Appeal an existing denial of Social Security Disability Benefits
• Appeal an existing denial of Long Term Disability (LTD) Benefits

If you are facing one of these situations due to Anxiety, please do not hesitate in reaching out. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help, and your consultation is free.