Is Social Anxiety a Disability?

People with severe anxiety may quality for social assistance

By

Arlin Cuncic, MA

Updated on September 13, 2023

Medically reviewed by

Steven Gans, MD

Fact checked by

Adah Chung

Things to know about claiming disability with anxiety — Verywell / Laura Porter

At a Glance

Social anxiety disorder can be tough to live with and you may be in need of some additional support. Applying online might be the easiest way to see if you qualify for assistance. It's always worth seeking additional help if you feel you need it—so don't be afraid to ask!

What Does Social Assistance Mean?

In the United States, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits for people with disabilities. The program provides monetary assistance to individuals who meet the requirements for disability insurance.

There Are Two Government Programs That Provide Assistance for People With Disabilities

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two largest governmental programs that provide financial assistance to people who have disabilities.

SSDI pays money to you and certain family members if you are insured. (In other words, you've worked long enough that you've earned an income and paid Social Security taxes on that income.)
SSI pays money to adults and children whose income is limited due to a disability.

You provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with information on your disability when you apply for either program.

What Counts as a Disability?

According to the SSA, a disability is characterized by the following criteria:

You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.
You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

For those with social anxiety disorder who are unable to work due to their condition, the SSA may be able to offer financial support.

How Do I Know If My Anxiety Will Qualify for Assistance?

SSA disability programs set forth criteria that must be met to qualify for assistance for an anxiety disorder in Section 12.06 of the "Disability Evaluation Under Social Security" document.

Here is a list adapted from the SSA government website that shows the criteria someone with social anxiety disorder would potentially have to meet to qualify for assistance.

You Social Anxiety Counts as a Disability If:

A social anxiety disorder would need to meet the required level of severity for the condition, which typically involves both:

Medical documentation of persistent and irrational fear of social and performance situations that results in a compelling desire to avoid those situations.
Marked restriction in activities of daily living and marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning OR complete inability to function independently outside of the home.

For someone with SAD, examples of activities of daily living that might be impaired include using 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, a person with SAD's ability to work, as well as whether problems related to the condition have lasted for at least two years, will be considered.

What Information Gets Used to Evaluate My Case?

Several information sources will be examined to evaluate your case, including:

Medical history
Mental status examination
Psychological testing
Hospitalization/treatment history
Nurse/social worker statements
Personal statement
Statements from family
Work evaluations
Previous work attempts

A description of your anxiety is required, which will include the nature, frequency, and duration of any anxiety attacks, the triggers for those attacks, and how they affect your ability to function.

What Happens If I Don't Meet the Criteria?

Good news! If you have severe impairment in functioning that does not meet the above criteria, you may still qualify for support.

Proof That Some of Your Abilities Are Impaired May Still Allow You to Qualify

The SSA recognizes something called residual functional capacity (RFC)—the work-related abilities that you have in spite of your social anxiety disorder.

Evaluation of your RFC demonstrates how your ability to work is compromised by your anxiety even if the impairment is not severe enough to meet the criteria listed above.

An Example of When Your Anxiety Isn't Severe

For example, if you have severe performance anxiety you might be unable to complete job duties as a teacher, even though daily social activities and daily functioning are manageable.

How to Apply

The claim process typically takes place through a local Social Security field office or State agency (called a disability determination service or DDS).

You can apply in person, by telephone, by mail, or through an online application. You will need to provide a description of your impairment, contact information for your treatment provider, and other information.

Applying for Disability Online

If you're applying online, you will see steps on the SSA website to carry out the application process:

The first step is the view the Adult Disability Checklist (this list will make sure you have everything you need before you submit your application)
Now, you'll be able to actually fill out the application here
The next thing to do is fill out a medical release form

When and How Will I Receive Financial Help?

After you've qualified to receive financial help, you'll get a letter from the SSA that tells you how much money you will be given and when you will begin receiving payments.

FYI the amount of money you will receive depends on your average lifetime earnings.

What Happens to My Benefits If I Feel Ready to Start Working Again?

If you feel that your situation has changed and you would like to try working again, you will not lose your rights to benefits. In fact, you might have access to additional support.

You may even be able to get help paying for work expenses and vocational training. Given the highly treatable nature of SAD, the offer can be a great incentive to return to the workforce if and when you feel ready.

For any more information related to applying for disability benefits for social anxiety, visit the SSA website.

If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

Is Depression a Disability?

6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Social Security Administration. Benefits for people with disabilities.
Social Security Administration. Disability Benefits: How you qualify.
Social Security Administration. Disability evaluation under social security. Section 12.06 Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders (see 12.00B5), satisfied by A and B, or A and C.
Social Security Administration. Apply Online for Disability Benefits.
Social Security Administration. Disability Benefits.
Social Security Administration. Working while disabled: How we can help.

By Arlin Cuncic, MA
Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

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