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Does Social Security Disability Insurance cover anxiety?

On Behalf of | Sep 20, 2022 | Social Security Disability

The stigma associated with mental health problems historically prevented individuals from seeking aid. As society became more aware of mental illness over time, more people obtained help and received diagnoses.

However, even though, according to Psychology Today, depression and anxiety saw a worldwide jump in recent times, there remains some remnant of a scornful attitude towards mental illness, with some deriding it as “not real” and similar lies. Because of this, some people suffering from illnesses like anxiety may doubt the validity of their diagnoses and wonder if government programs like Social Security Disability Insurance consider their sicknesses as disabilities.

Social Security Disability Insurance covers mental illnesses

Mental illnesses like anxiety are legitimate disabilities recognized by the government. This means individuals with anxiety may qualify to receive SSDI benefits.

There are certain requirements

SSDI does not just depend on the presence of a disability. It is for individuals who worked and paid into Social Security through their taxes and receive a certain number of credits based on how long they contributed to the fund. Having anxiety is also not enough to qualify. The anxiety must not be a temporary condition brought on by a sudden event or change in life. It must last long enough to be clinical and must functionally impair the applicant. The individual must show at least three clinical signs (insomnia, weariness, etc.) and a minimum of two functional impairments (inability to leave the house, inability to concentrate, etc.).

The benefits from SSDI may be of considerable benefit to disabled individuals, including those with mental health impairments. People with anxiety and other mental illnesses, such as depression or bipolar disorder, may qualify for benefits if they meet certain criteria.