Social Security Disability benefits are meant to allow those who suffer from some sort of debilitating condition to be able to still meet their basic financial expenses. Yet there may be some in Marion who believe that many of those receiving such benefits are abusing this privilege. They may see the fact that the Social Security Administration reports that as of 2017, nearly 8.7 million Americans were receiving SSD benefits supports their concerns, particularly knowing that one can qualify for assistance based on conditions as such as anxiety. Many may think that anxiety is something that everyone deals with, therefore disqualifying it as a condition that can be disabling. 

Yet people cannot qualify for SSD benefits by simply saying that they suffer from anxiety. Instead, their condition must be diagnosed clinically. Indeed, the SSA has established a set of strict criteria for determining whether one’s anxiety qualifies them for benefits. 

To meet the SSA’s definition of anxiety, one must suffer from either frequent panic attacks and/or a disproportionate fear of being in public situations. If not that, then they must display obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by either involuntary preoccupation with intrusive, unwanted thoughts repetitive behaviors. 

If one does not display either of the aforementioned traits, then they must suffer from anxiety disorder classified by at least three of the following symptoms: 

• Restlessness
• Constant fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance

On top of all of the aforementioned issues, one must also show themselves to have difficulty adapting, interacting with others, concentrating on specific tasks and comprehending information to qualify for disability based on anxiety. 

Should one not meet the criteria listed above, the only other way to qualify for SSD benefits due to anxiety would be to have a two-year documented treatment history for persistent and serious mental issues.