October 27, 2009

How Can I Get SSI for an Anxiety Disorder?

People who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or another anxiety disorder may need to know how to get SSI for anxiety disorders. If the person is having difficulty maintaining employment, Social Security Disability can provide help during this difficult time.

Anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and PTSD can be debilitating conditions. Anxiety symptoms can cause a person to lose their job or become unable to even leave their home to be able to work.

Having an official diagnosis in the medical records is crucial. If the person is struggling with symptoms of anxiety, the person should be evaluated by a psychiatrist to be officially diagnosed. This diagnosis needs to be included in the medical records that will be evaluated by the Social Security Administration.

Another important thing to remember is that the SSDI for anxiety is calculated from the time the person applies for benefits. If the person is undecided about applying, the person should consider applying immediately and then deciding if the benefits are absolutely necessary.

If the person decides the benefits are not needed, the person can withdraw the application or decline the benefits. A person who is struggling with anxiety symptoms and is able to work part-time but not full-time may still be able to work part-time while receiving SSDI for anxiety. The person's income needs to be reported to the Social Security Administration.

A part of the paperwork for SSI for anxiety disorders is a personal account of the symptoms of anxiety and how these symptoms affect the person's daily activities. The person should honestly disclose how the anxiety symptoms have impacted their lives.

When the Social Security Administration evaluates an application for SSI and anxiety, the Social Security Administration requires medical documentation of the anxiety symptoms and either the person's inability to leave the home by themselves or a significant impairment of the person's ability to function socially, cognitively, or occupationally. The Social Security Administration will look at the person's medical records and personal account of symptoms. If the person is working with a government agency like Mental Health and Mental Retardation, those records may also be used in their analysis.

A psychiatric evaluation for anxiety symptoms is recommended even if the person has no intention of applying for SSDI for anxiety. Many cases of anxiety disorders can be successfully treated, but it takes time. The person may want to consider the SSDI benefits for anxiety as temporary relief while they work on controlling the symptoms of anxiety.

Sheila Wilson describes the symptoms of anxiety disorders, weird phobias, and PTSD including what is a flashback. On her blog, she discusses independent living after receiving SSI for anxiety disorders. For details, please visit these websites.

Filed under About Anxiety by Sheila Wilson

Permalink Print Comment

Trackback URI

http://www.About-Anxiety.com/blog/about-anxiety/1130/how-can-i-get-ssi-for-an-anxiety-disorder/trackback

Leave a Comment