Social Security Disability Benefits for Anxiety Disorders: Eligibility & Types

Social Security provides disability benefits for people who have anxiety disorders. There are two main types of Social Security disability.

Identification

• Anxiety disorders are characterized by abnormal or inappropriate worry or fear, and are divided into physical, psychological and behavioral categories.

Types of Disability Benefits

• Social Security disability benefits include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Insurance (SSI). SSDI is available to those who have worked for at least 10 years and have worked recently before their disability. SSI is available for those near poverty level regardless of work history. Other programs include Social Security's Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits and Disabled Adult Child benefits.

Requirements for SSDI

• Social Security requires documented evidence of one of five sets of specific symptoms to qualify for disability from an anxiety disorder. In addition, an applicant must show that their condition makes them unable to work.
  An individual can qualify regardless of symptoms, however, if they are unable to work because of their illness.

Requirements for SSI

• The primary rules of eligibility for SSI are based on a person's income and assets. The standards for eligibility differ by state.

Considerations

• An individual can qualify for both SSDI and SSI.