SSDI Anxiety Requirements

Living with an anxiety disorder can make it impossible to maintain employment. If you or a loved one has a severe anxiety disorder, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. This page will break down:

• What anxiety disorders are
• How anxiety disorders are diagnosed
• The types of disability benefits available for anxiety
• Anxiety disorders that qualify for SSI & SSDI
• How to qualify for disability with anxiety
• Frequently asked questions on getting disability benefits for anxiety
• Why you should file your disability claim through Grundy Disability Group

What Is an Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety disorders are serious mental health conditions that go far beyond normal stress or worry. They involve persistent, excessive fear or worry that interferes with daily activities. Mental health professionals typically diagnose anxiety disorders when symptoms significantly impact a person’s ability to function in work, social situations, or daily life.

When Are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed?

While anxiety can develop at any age, doctors often diagnose anxiety disorders when:

• Symptoms persist for 6 months or longer
• Traditional coping mechanisms don’t provide relief
• The anxiety interferes with work, relationships, or daily activities
• Physical symptoms begin affecting health and wellbeing

Types of Disability Benefits Available for Anxiety

Supplemental Security Income (SSI for Anxiety)

• For people with limited income and resources
• No work history required
• Based on financial need

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI for Anxiety)

• Based on work history and paid Social Security taxes
• Must have enough work credits
• Amount based on your earnings history

Can You Get SSI for Anxiety?

Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes anxiety disorders as qualifying conditions under their disability guidelines. However, you must meet strict medical and legal criteria to be approved.

Types of Qualifying Anxiety Disorders

The SSA recognizes several anxiety-related conditions:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Agoraphobia

How to Qualify for Disability with Anxiety

General SSA Requirements

To qualify for either SSI or SSDI, you must:

• Have medical evidence documenting your anxiety disorder
• Meet specific income and resource limits (for SSI)
• Have enough work credits (for SSDI)

Blue Book Criteria for Anxiety Disorders

Your anxiety must meet the requirements of Social Security’s Listing 12.06 for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You must satisfy either criteria A and B or criteria A and C:

A. Medical Documentation: You must have medical documentation of at least ONE of the following:

1. Anxiety disorder with three or more of these symptoms:
   • Restlessness
   • Easy fatigue
   • Difficulty concentrating
   • Irritability
   • Muscle tension
   • Sleep disturbance
2. Panic disorder or agoraphobia with either:
   • Panic attacks followed by persistent worry about future attacks or their consequences
   • Excessive fear about at least two different situations (like using public transportation, being in crowds, being outside your home)
3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder with either:
   • Time-consuming, unwanted intrusive thoughts
   • Repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety

AND either B or C:

B. Extreme limitation in one, or marked limitation in two, of these areas:

• Understanding, remembering, or applying information
• Interacting with others
• Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
• Adapting or managing yourself

OR

C. Your disorder is “serious and persistent”:

• Documented history of the disorder over at least 2 years
• Evidence of both:
  • Ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or structured setting that helps control symptoms
  • Minimal capacity to adapt to changes or new demands in your life

Medical-Vocational Allowance

If you don’t meet the exact Blue Book criteria, you may still qualify for disability benefits based on:

• Your age
• Education level
• Work experience
• Specific limitations from your anxiety

Common Questions About Anxiety Disability Claims

Can I get disability if I’m on medication for anxiety?

Yes, if you still have significant symptoms despite treatment. We will help document how your symptoms persist even with medication.

Does having panic attacks qualify me for disability?

Frequent, severe panic attacks that prevent work may qualify. We’ll help document their frequency and impact.

Can I work part-time and still get disability for anxiety?

Yes, if your earnings stay under SSA’s limits. We can help determine if your work activity qualifies.

How long does my anxiety need to last to qualify?

Your condition must last or be expected to last at least 12 months.

Why Work With Grundy Disability Group?

Proving an anxiety disorder to Social Security is challenging. Medical evidence must show more than just a diagnosis—it needs to demonstrate how your anxiety severely limits your ability to work. Many claims are denied because:

• Symptoms are difficult to measure objectively
• Treatment records are incomplete
• The condition’s impact on daily activities isn’t clearly documented

Even strong claims can be denied due to paperwork errors, missed deadlines, or inadequate documentation. The process becomes especially complex when dealing with symptoms that vary in severity or aren’t visible to others, like panic attacks or severe social anxiety.

How We Help

• Free initial consultation
• Expert guidance on gathering medical evidence
• Regular case updates
• Direct attorney access
• Professional hearing preparation

Get Help With Your Anxiety Disability Claim

Call Grundy Disability Group today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced disability lawyer. We will assess your condition and medical records to determine if you will qualify for Social Security disability benefits.