Is Anxiety a Disability?

In the United States, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits for people with disabilities. The program provides monetary assistance 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.

What Is Social Assistance?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two largest governmental programs that provide financial assistance to people who have disabilities.

SSDI pays money to you and certain family members if you are insured. (In other words, you've worked long enough that you've earned an income and paid Social Security taxes on that income.) SSI pays money to adults and children whose income is limited due to a disability.

You provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with information on your disability when you apply for either program. According to the SSA, a disability is characterized by the following criteria:

• You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.
• You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

For those with social anxiety disorder who are unable to work due to their condition, the SSA may be able to help financially support you.

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 would potentially have to meet to qualify for assistance.

A social anxiety disorder would need to meet the required level of severity for the condition, which typically involves both:

1. Medical documentation of persistent and irrational fear of social and performance situations that results in a compelling desire to avoid those situations.
2. 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. 

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 two years, will be considered.

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.

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

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.

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.