Can You Get Disability for Anxiety?

Anxiety can be more than worrying before a big test or work project. Severe, ongoing symptoms can make it tough to leave home. They can disrupt focus, make sleeping difficult, and affect how we handle stress at work. Can you get disability for anxiety if it becomes severe? Many wonder if Social Security disability benefits can help.

Social Security recognizes some anxiety disorders as possibly disabling. But the rules are demanding. Your case depends on medical records, work history, and how symptoms affect daily life. The law office of Pond Lehocky Disability helps people nationwide grasp how the system works. We can help you decide whether filing a claim makes sense.

Medical Criteria You Must Meet

Not everyone with an anxiety diagnosis will qualify for disability benefits. SSA wants to see that your condition is well-documented. It must be severe enough to stop you from performing any full-time job on a regular schedule.

Doctors, therapists, and hospitals create the core of that documentation. Detailed notes matter. These include:

• Panic attacks
• Intrusive thoughts
• Physical symptoms like shaking or chest tightness
• How those symptoms disrupt daily life

SSA also considers how often you attend appointments. They look at whether you try the recommended treatment. They check how you respond over time.

SSA often looks for patterns like:

• Ongoing worry, fear, or panic that does not go away with routine stress management
• Restlessness, trouble concentrating, muscle tension, or sleep problems that interfere with work tasks
• Avoidance of public places, co-workers, or supervision because of anxiety or panic
• Obsessions or compulsions that take so much time that you cannot stay on task

For Social Security, the answer to “Can you get disability for anxiety?” depends on your medical records. It depends on how clearly your daily living reports match these patterns.

Proving that Anxiety Stops You from Working

You can still qualify even if you do not meet the SSA’s criteria exactly. You must show that anxiety keeps you from performing any substantial gainful activity. In plain language, that means you cannot hold a steady, full-time job because of your symptoms.

How Much is a Disability Check for Anxiety?

Many people want to know: How much is a disability check for anxiety? Disability benefits do not have a single flat amount. The payment depends on your program. You might qualify for SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both.

SSDI is based on your past work and Social Security taxes. SSA looks at what you earned over your working life. They use a formula to set your monthly benefit. People with higher lifetime earnings receive higher SSDI checks. People with limited work history may not qualify for SSDI at all, even when anxiety is severe.

SSI is a needs-based program for people with very low income and limited resources. For 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual. For an eligible couple, it is $1,450. Many people receive less because of other income and living arrangements. State supplements can raise those figures in some places.

Your Social Security disability attorney will explain what benefits apply to your situation.

How Pond Lehocky Will Support Your Claim

Anxiety-related disability claims can feel overwhelming. This is true if you have racing thoughts, physical symptoms, and worries about your future. Pond Lehocky helps injured and disabled workers get the benefits they need. This covers claims related to mental health issues from work or medical problems.

Our team will review your work history, treatment records, and daily limitations. We determine whether they meet SSA’s rules. We also look for other conditions that may combine with anxiety. Examples include chronic pain or traumatic injuries. These can create greater overall limits on your ability to work.