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Does Your Anxiety Disorder Qualify You for Social Security Benefits? The term “anxiety disorder” actually covers many different mental illnesses, all of which involve severe and acute episodes of panic and / or anxiety. For example, Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves excessive worrying that prevents the person suffering with it from being able to focus on their life. Panic disorder involves debilitating panic attacks that can include a racing heart, shaking, difficulty breaking, and terror.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that is the result of previous traumas and can even include flashbacks. Whatever type of anxiety disorder you are suffering from, whether listed here or not, if it preventing you from working and otherwise functioning normally in your life, then you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. Keep reading to learn more and then contact a social security attorney by calling The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000.

The Categories of Anxiety Disorders That May Qualify a Person for Social Security Disability

Not anyone with an anxiety disorder is eligible for disability. However, a person who has medical documentation of any of the following may be eligible:

  1. Generalized, persistent anxiety with at least three of these four signs or symptoms: Motor tension, vigilance and scanning, autonomic hyperactivity, or apprehensive expectations.
  2. A persistent and irrational fear of a specific activity, object, or situation that results in avoidance of said activity, object, or situation.
  3. Recurrent severe panic attacks that come on unpredictably and bring intense fear, terror, apprehension, or impending doom and that happen at least once a week.
  4. Recurring obsession and / or compulsions that are a sourced of serious distress.
  5. Recurrent and intrusive memories of a trauma.

Anxiety Disorders Must Result in at Least Two of the Following to Qualify You for Social Security Disability

If your anxiety disorder falls into one of the five categories above, then it must also result in at least two of the following:

  • An inability or restriction to complete daily living activities;
  • Marked difficulties with social functioning;
  • Repeated episodes of getting worse, which each duration lasting longer;
  • Difficulty concentrating, with pace, or with persistence.

One Final Criteria to Be Eligible for Social Security for an Anxiety Disorder

Finally, we must be able to show that your anxiety disorder prevents you from functioning independently outside of your home. Note that if you do not meet all of these criteria, it is still worth talking to a California attorney. If you have been working with a therapist for a long time and that therapist can show that you cannot work due to your anxiety, then we may have a case.

The bottom line is that it is always worth contacting an attorney to find out what your options are. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we offer a free legal consultation so there is no risk to you. You can call us at 800-333-0000 or email us at info@larryhparker.com to get the process started.