Social Anxiety Disorder Work and School Can Someone With SAD Qualify for Social Assistance? By Arlin Cuncic Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety." Learn about our editorial process Arlin Cuncic Fact checked by Fact checked by Adah Chung on December 26, 2020 linkedin Adah Chung is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and occupational therapist. Learn about our editorial process Adah Chung Updated on December 26, 2020 Print Zero Creatives / Getty Images In the United States, the Social Security disability insurance program is implemented by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This program pays benefits to individuals who meet the requirements for disability insurance. Anxiety disorders fall under the umbrella of disability. If you are coping with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and are unable to work, you may qualify for assistance. Criteria for Social Assistance SSA disability programs set forth criteria that must be met to qualify for assistance for an anxiety disorder in Section 12.06 of the "Disability Evaluation Under Social Security" document. Here is a list adapted from the SSA government website that shows the criteria someone with social anxiety disorder (SAD) would potentially have to meet to qualify for assistance. Do You Qualify for SSDI or SSI? A social anxiety disorder would need to meet the required level of severity for the condition, which typically involves both: Medical documentation of persistent and irrational fear of social and performance situations that results in a compelling desire to avoid those situations. Marked restriction in activities of daily living and marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning OR complete inability to function independently outside of the home. For someone with SAD, examples of activities of daily living that might be impaired include using public transportation, paying bills, making phone calls, and attending appointments. People with SAD may fear people, avoid relationships, and experience social isolation. In addition to the above requirements, a person with SAD's ability to work, as well as whether problems related to the condition have lasted for at least 2 years, will be considered. How SSDI Eligibility is Determined What If You Don't Meet the Criteria? If you have severe impairment in functioning that does not meet the above criteria, you may still qualify for support. The SSA recognizes something called residual functional capacity (RFC)—the work-related abilities that you have in spite of your social anxiety disorder. Evaluation of your RFC demonstrates how your ability to work is compromised by your anxiety even if the impairment is not severe enough to meet the criteria listed above. For example, if you have severe performance anxiety you might be unable to complete job duties as a teacher, even though daily social activities and daily functioning are manageable. Sources of Information Several information sources will be examined to evaluate your case, including: Medical history Mental status examination Psychological testing Hospitalization/treatment history Nurse/social worker statements Personal statement Statements from family Work evaluations Previous work attempts A description of your anxiety is required, which will include the nature, frequency, and duration of any anxiety attacks, the triggers for those attacks, and how they affect your ability to function. How to Apply The claim process typically takes place through a local Social Security field office or State agency (called a disability determination service or DDS). You can apply in person, by telephone, by mail, or through an online application. You will need to provide a description of your impairment, contact information for your treatment provider, and other information. The SSDI Application Process Working While Receiving Benefits If you feel that your situation has changed and you would like to try working again, you will not lose your rights to benefits. In fact, you might have access to additional support. You may even be able to get help paying for work expenses and vocational training. Given the highly treatable nature of SAD, the offer can be a great incentive to return to the workforce if and when you feel ready. If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Social Security Administration. Disability evaluation under social security. Section 12.06 Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders (see 12.00B5), satisfied by A and B, or A and C. Updated 2020. Social Security Administration. Code of Federal Regulations. Residual functional capacity. Updated July 2012. Social Security Administration. Working while disabled: How we can help. Updated 2020. 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