Can you receive Social Security Disability benefits for Agoraphobia? This article discusses how the SSA will evaluate your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have been assessed with agoraphobia.
The Bishop Law Firm has represented disability clients since 2009, and we offer free case reviews; there is no fee unless you win. Call us at 919-615-3095 or start online now.
Types of Social Security Disability Benefits
If you are unable to work due to Agoraphobia, the first step in attaining Social Security Disability benefits is to apply at your local SSA office or online.
When you apply, the Social Security Administration will determine if you are eligible to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI benefits), Supplemental Security Income (SSI benefits), or both.
SSDI is based on the credits (FICA payments) from the work that you have done in the last 10 years, while SSI is a need-based program.
After you apply for disability for Agoraphobia, your case will be sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS or your local equivalent) for a determination to be made regarding your disability.
For information on applying for SSDI or SSI, look here.
What is Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder in which you avoid situations that you’re afraid might cause you to panic.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all anxiety disorders, and they can co-occur (Via HHS).
Also read Anxiety Disorders and Disability.
Agoraphobia is usually associated with panic disorder. You may avoid being in public places or situations due to the overwhelming anxiety that you experience.
Clients report difficulty leaving home, being around strangers, and sometimes even being around their own family or close friends. These situations can cause panic attacks.
Panic attacks have been described to me as uncontrollable fear, vigilance and scanning, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, and paranoia.
Clients often think that they are having a heart attack. Other symptoms include dizziness, numbness, and fear of “going crazy.” Found here.
In addition to panic attacks, anxiety disorders can cause sleep disturbance, intense fear, muscle tension (physical symptoms), and even suicidal ideation.
Treatment for agoraphobia usually involves psychiatric therapy and medications.
People with agoraphobia have to overcome their fear just to be able to receive treatment for it. This cannot be easy.
Luckily, today, a mental health professional can offer therapy by video, allowing the patient to avoid commuting or using public transportation.
If you are seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist (or other mental health professional), are in therapy, and taking your medications, you may still be unable to work due to your social phobia, poor impulse control, difficulty concentrating, or severe anxiety.
Also read Social Security Disability Conditions
Can you receive disability for Agoraphobia?
Yes, Agoraphobia can be disabling to SSA. In the Social Security Disability world, the name of your illness is not as important as the severity of your symptoms.
While physical disabilities are more readily observable to the eye, mental disorders can affect one's health in frightening ways.
To demonstrate the severity of your Agoraphobia, you need medical treatment that generates medical documentation of how your condition interferes with your ability to work and daily life.
The Social Security Administration evaluates agoraphobia under 12.06 Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders:
2. Panic disorder or agoraphobia, characterized by one or both:
- Panic attacks followed by a persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences; or
- Disproportionate fear or anxiety about at least two different situations (for example, using public transportation, being in a crowd, being in a line, being outside of your home, being in open spaces
AND
- Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning (see 12.00F):
A claimant can also meet Listing 12.06 by demonstrating that their condition is "serious and persistent" by having evidence of both of the following:
1. Medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support(s), or a highly structured setting(s) that is ongoing and that diminishes the symptoms and signs of your mental disorder (see 12.00G2b); and
2. Marginal adjustment, that is, you have minimal capacity to adapt to changes in your environment or to demands that are not already part of your daily life (see 12.00G2c).
This listing requires persistent fears, recurrent severe panic attacks, and marked restrictions in your activities of daily living or social skills, etc.
If you are afraid to leave home or be around people, it isn't easy to maintain full-time employment, and you may meet the criteria for this listing.
Even if you do not meet the above listing, you still may be found disabled based on your inability to complete tasks, function independently outside of your home, or the combination of all your impairments.
If you are unable to work (engage in substantial gainful activity) due to your symptoms, file a claim for disability benefits for agoraphobia as soon as possible.
The Bishop Law Firm represents Social Security Disability clients in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Cary, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Smithfield, Louisburg, Chapel Hill, Roanoke Rapids, Winston Salem, Garner, Greensboro, Greenville, and surrounding areas in North Carolina.
Call us today for a free case review, (919) 615-3095, or start online now.
Also read NC Social Security Disability Lawyer.
