When you live with severe anxiety, sometimes even the smallest daily tasks can feel impossible, and holding down a job might be completely out of the question. Of course, if you’re unable to work, worrying about money certainly won’t help your anxiety. The most common question our team from National Disability Benefits hears is: “Can I get disability for my anxiety?”
The answer is yes, as certain anxiety disorders (GAD, panic attacks, or OCD) are recognized medical impairments, but getting approved for benefits means you have to navigate a complicated system of federal and state rules.
Here, our team breaks down exactly how the process works for residents of Michigan and what steps you need to take to build a solid claim.
Do You Qualify for Anxiety Disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists anxiety disorders under Section 12.06 of its rulebook, often called the Blue Book. But just having a diagnosis isn’t enough to qualify. To be approved, you must show that your anxiety causes marked or extreme limitations on your daily life. Your anxiety must severely stop you from being able to concentrate, manage your emotions, or interact with people, to the point where you cannot perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which means working for a living.
There’s also a strict time rule: your condition must have already lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 12 continuous months. This is how the SSA differentiates a true, long-term disability from temporary or short-term situational stress.
Michigan State Disability Assistance (SDA)
If you’re asking, “Can I get disability for anxiety in Michigan?” while you wait for a federal decision, the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program is an important resource. This is a state-funded program providing cash aid for disabled adults who might not yet qualify for federal benefits or who are still waiting for their SSA application to be processed.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) manages these state-level benefits. You can apply and manage your case through their online MI Bridges portal. While Michigan’s general approval rate is similar to the national average, the Disability Determination Service gives mental health claims extra scrutiny.
The Key Evidence You Need for Your Claim
Anxiety is often called an invisible illness, which is why providing concrete evidence is the most important part of your application. The examiners in Michigan need specific paperwork to confirm how severe your condition is.
To make your case as strong as possible, focus on gathering this documentation:
| Proof You Followed Treatment | You must show you are actively trying to manage your condition. Claims are often denied because of gaps in therapy or medication history. |
| Statements from Others (Third-Party Function Reports) | Reports from former bosses, family members, or social workers are crucial. They describe how your anxiety affects you in real life (for instance, if you have panic attacks at work or can’t leave your house). |
| Documentation on Substance Use | Michigan adjudicators check to see if drug or alcohol use contributes to your anxiety. Your claim is valid if your anxiety would still be severe without the substance use. If substance use is judged to be the main reason for your disability, your claim will likely be denied. |
Why Getting Professional Help is Important
Mental health claims typically have a higher denial rate than physical claims at the initial application stage. Anxiety symptoms are subjective, making them difficult to prove without the right legal strategy. But don’t give up if you’re denied because many Michigan residents successfully win their benefits during the appeals process, either at the reconsideration level or at a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.
Contact Us Today to Discuss Disability for Anxiety in Michigan
You don’t have to go through this confusing process alone. National Disability Benefits specializes in helping applicants build the strongest case possible from the very beginning. We know exactly what medical evidence is needed to satisfy both Michigan and federal examiners.
We can help make sure your condition is taken seriously so you get the financial support you need and deserve, so contact us online today
