Living with a disability poses unique challenges that can make everyday activities frustrating or even impossible. Many people who live with a disability are unable to work, and losing your ability to earn an income while requiring medical attention often results in mounting debt. Fortunately, disabled individuals who have worked in the past may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits.
SSDI is an insurance program that is managed by the federal government. Paycheck deductions fund the program, so anyone who has worked in the past has paid into SSDI. Individuals who are unable to work due to a disability are eligible for SSDI benefits if they have worked a minimum amount based on their age. Since these benefits are paid for by the recipients, there is no reason to hesitate when deciding whether to apply for SSDI benefits.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes sufferers to experience overwhelming apprehension and tension. These negative feelings may be present at all times, or the individual may experience panic attacks that cause severe mental and physical symptoms over a shorter period of time.
Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include feeling panicked or fearful, obsessive thought patterns, nightmares that lead to sleep disturbances and recurring memories that cause the sufferer to experience fear or tension. Anxiety disorders can also cause physical symptoms like nausea, uncontrolled sweating, muscle tension, increased heart rate and uncontrolled shaking.
Anxiety disorders are unique from occasional anxiety in that these disorders cause ongoing mental and physical symptoms that may manifest without warning. While some people with anxiety disorders experience panic attacks and other complications as a result of trigger situations, other sufferers experience these complications without an identifiable cause. Depending on the severity and frequency of these complications, people who suffer from an anxiety disorder may be unable to form lasting personal relationships, and it is possible for work performance to decline significantly.
The exact symptoms experienced by an individual who suffers from an anxiety disorder depend on the disorder. There are five major types of anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder causes a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity. Obsessive-compulsive disorder causes the sufferer to fixate on certain tasks in a way that can interfere with the individual’s ability to lead a fulfilling life. Panic disorder results in panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder can cause sufferers to have panic attacks when remembering a traumatic experience. Social anxiety can make it difficult for sufferers to form and maintain personal relationships.
Can You Get Disability Payments For Anxiety Disorders?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows people who suffer from an anxiety disorder to qualify for SSDI benefits if their condition causes ongoing, severe symptoms that make it impossible for them to properly care for themselves or complete job-related tasks. These symptoms must also interfere with the applicant’s ability to interact with others in a professional setting. Proof that the condition is severe enough to make it impossible for a person to work in any position for which they are qualified is necessary. Thorough medical records are used as proof of disability, so it is essential for a sufferer to schedule regular appointments with a medical professional.
Getting Help From an Attorney
If you are suffering from a debilitating anxiety disorder that makes it impossible for you to work, your condition may be exasperated by the stress of applying for SSDI benefits. The application process is difficult to navigate, and over half of first-time applications are denied. The best way to relieve the stress of applying for SSDI benefits is to consult with an experienced attorney. SSDI lawyers are familiar with the regulations enforced by the SSA when it comes to benefits, and these legal professionals can assist you as you collect medical evidence of your disability and file the necessary paperwork. Set up a consultation with an attorney to get started on your application.