Can I get Social Security payments for stress and anxiety?

An individual affected by stress and anxiety to the extent that they are not able to work can receive Social Security benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Receiving these benefits, however, can take up to a year and requires extensive documentation of the seriousness of the applicant's condition.

Section 12.06 of the SSA's List of Impairments, located on its website, lists "Anxiety-related disorders" as one of the conditions that may entitle an applicant to benefits. The list also contains the elements an application must demonstrate to be eligible for approval.

Evidence Qualifying an Anxiety Disorder for SSDI

The SSA permits two different types of evidence of anxiety disorders. This evidence is divided into three categories:

• Category A: The applicant must demonstrate that their anxiety consists of motor tension, hyperactivity, extreme hesitancy and expectation or a heightened sense of vigilance or intrusive recollections of trauma.
• Category B: That their condition causes any two of the following reactions: a restriction of daily life activities, difficulty in maintaining social functioning, difficulty concentrating or repeated events of succumbing to the effects of the illness.
• Category C: That their condition causes them to be unable to function outside of their home.

An applicant must prove the elements of Category A and B or B and C to be eligible for benefits.

Medical Documentation

The SSA requires extensive medical documentation of the diagnosis, treatment and effects of the anxiety and stress disorder. This means that not only will the applicant have needed to have sought help in the past, but that they must have documentation of any of the occurrence of any of the events in Category B listed above. Documentation of these events should contain the date and length of the reaction and any lasting effects it had.

Social Security benefits can be applied for online by completing the "Applying for Disability Benefits" on the SSA website. You can also file in person or by sending a paper form to your local SSA office. Upon receipt of your application, your file will be assigned to a benefits coordinator who will review your condition and approve or disapprove you for benefits.

Talk to a Social Security Attorney

If you want to know more about whether your stress and anxiety disorder qualifies you for Social Security benefits, seek legal advice. An attorney will review your case and assist you through the application process. Talk to a Disability Lawyer and find out how you can make a winning case to get social security disability payments.