Yes, anxiety disorders fall under the category of disorders. So, if you are dealing with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and are unable to work, you may be eligible for help.
Social anxiety can be very debilitating, and for those of us who suffer from it, completely Requires support and special consideration.
At a glance
Social anxiety disorder can be difficult to live with and may require additional support. Applying online may be the easiest way to see if you qualify for assistance. It’s always worth asking for help if you feel you need extra help. Don’t be afraid to ask.
What does social assistance mean?
In the United States, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to people with disabilities. This program provides financial assistance to individuals who meet disability insurance requirements.
There are two government programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two largest government programs that provide financial assistance to people with disabilities.
- S.S.D.I. If you have insurance, money will be paid to you and certain family members. (In other words, you worked long enough to earn an income and paid Social Security taxes on that income.)
- SSI It pays money to adults and children whose income is limited due to a disability.
When you apply for either program, you provide information about your disability to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What counts as a disability?
According to the SSA, disability is characterized by the following criteria:
- Your medical condition prevents you from doing the work you used to do.
- Due to my medical condition, I am unable to adapt to other jobs.
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year, or may result in death.
The SSA may be able to provide financial assistance to people who have social anxiety disorder and are unable to work because of their condition.
How do I know if *my* anxiety qualifies for help?
The SSA Disability Program establishes criteria that must be met to receive assistance for anxiety disorders in section 12.06 of the Social Security Disability Evaluation document.
This is a list taken from the SSA government website that shows the criteria that someone with social anxiety disorder may have to meet in order to receive support.
Social anxiety is considered a disorder if:
Social anxiety disorder must meet the required level of severity for the condition, but usually includes both:
- Medical documentation of a persistent and irrational fear of social and performance situations, resulting in a compelling desire to avoid those situations.
- Severely limited activities of daily living, significant difficulty maintaining social functioning, or complete inability to function independently outside the home.
For people with SAD, examples of activities of daily living that may be impaired include taking public transportation, paying bills, making phone calls, and attending appointments.
People with SAD may fear people, avoid relationships, and experience social isolation.
In addition to the above requirements, consideration will be given to whether you have the ability to work with SAD and whether your SAD-related problems have been going on for at least two years.
What information will be used to evaluate my case?
Several sources of information will be investigated to evaluate your case, including:
- Medical history
- mental status examination
- psychology test
- Hospitalization/treatment history
- Nurse/Social Worker Statement
- motivation letter
- statement from family
- job evaluation
- Previous work attempts
I need an explanation of your anxiety. This includes the nature, frequency, and duration of your anxiety attacks, what triggers them, and how they affect your ability to function.
What happens if I don’t meet the criteria?
Good news! If you have a severe impairment that does not meet the above criteria, May You are still eligible for support.
You may qualify if you can prove that some of your abilities are impaired
The SSA recognizes what is called residual functional capacity (RFC), or work-related abilities, despite social anxiety disorder.
The RFC assessment shows how anxiety impairs a person’s ability to work, even if the disability is not severe enough to meet the criteria above.
Example when anxiety is not severe
For example, if you have severe performance anxiety, you may be unable to perform your duties as a teacher, even though you may be able to manage your daily social activities and daily living.
How to apply
Claims are typically processed through your local Social Security field office or state agency (called Disability Determination Services, or DDS).
You can apply in person, by phone, by mail, or through an online application. You must provide a description of your disability, contact information for your treatment provider, and other information.
Apply for disability online
If you apply online, the SSA website will provide instructions for completing the application process.
When and how can I receive financial support?
Once you qualify for financial assistance, you will receive a letter from the SSA letting you know how much money you will be awarded and when your payments will start.
For reference, the amount you receive depends on your average lifetime income.
What happens to my benefits when I feel ready to start working again?
If you feel that your situation has changed and you want to work again, do not have You will lose your right to receive benefits. In fact, you may be able to receive additional support.
You may also be able to receive help with work costs and vocational training costs. Due to the highly treatable nature of SAD, this offer can be a great incentive to return to work if you feel ready.
For more information about applying for disability benefits for social anxiety, visit the SSA website.