Most people in Los Angeles will likely admit to suffering some degree of anxiety, yet the common school of thought is that they should just “toughen up” and push through it. Yet what happens when your anxiety becomes debilitating to the point of not allowing you to do much of anything (let alone push through things)? Disability benefits offered through the Social Security Administration are meant to help those suffering from disabling conditions, yet can you qualify for such benefits because of anxiety?
You indeed can, provided that your case meets the standards set by the SSA’s Listing of Impairments. Per these requirements, if your anxiety is manifested by the extreme limitation of either your ability to understand and process information, interact with others, stay focused or adapt to new or changing situations, you may qualify for disability benefits. In addition, however, it must also be shown that you are dealing with one of the following conditions:
- Anxiety disorder characterized by a combination of restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension or sleep disturbance
- Panic disorder or agoraphobia characterized by either panic attacks or disproportionate fear of otherwise normal situations (such as waiting in lines or going outside of your house)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by either repetitive behavior or an involuntary preoccupation with unwanted thoughts
You may also qualify for SSD benefits due to anxiety if you have a documented history of serious and persistent anxiety issues for which you have been receiving medical (that is still ongoing) and that has left you with marginal adjustment capabilities (or the capacity to deal with sudden changes to your normal routines.
