Share the blog post

Being nervous is an unavoidable part of life; worry is just a natural human responses to possible danger. Too much nervousness, however, can seriously impair daily productivity and focus and cause anxiety.

Anxiety disorder is one of the most common emotional disorders.  According to National Institute of Mental Health, over 18 percent – nearly 1 in 5 – of American adults have the condition.  

Anxiety can harm your memory and social skills.  A mental impairment that significantly reduces your ability to concentrate or interact with co-workers, employers, and customers, you may be able to win benefits. If fear or obsession prevents you from commuting to a job, you also may qualify.  If your condition has a severe impact on work, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Social Security Anxiety Listing

Anxiety disorder pie chart

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 1 in 3 Americans experience anxiety disorder.

Earning Social Security disability benefits is pretty straightforward.  The SSA anxiety disorder listing requires three of the following symptoms: 

  • restlessness
  • fatigue
  • concentration issues
  • irritability
  • muscle tension
  • sleep disturbance.  

If the condition is either serious and persistent, or extremely limits an area of mental functioning, then you may fulfill the anxiety disorder listing.

What if the Social Security listing doesn’t apply to me?

If these requirements aren’t met, you still may have a good chance of qualifying for Social Security disability benefits. Proving that your anxiety condition prevents you from keeping full-time, consistent employment, even with medical treatment, may earn you benefits from the Social Security Administration. This criteria is much more subjective, however, and may be more difficult to show than, for example, a back condition.  It is definitely a good idea to check out the SSA website for further information on applying.  We can help you in the application process.  We’ll try increase your chances of winning.

Even if your initial application is rejected, a legal representative can help you appeal the decision and get the benefits you need.  For a free evaluation of your situation, please fill out the form on on our main page or call us at (773) 989-9899.