If you have an anxiety disorder in Minnesota, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These programs can help with income, health care, and work support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your anxiety disorder must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet work history and income/resource requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical listing for anxiety disorders (Listing 12.06) to decide if your condition is disabling. You need to show that your symptoms cause significant limitations in daily life, social functioning, or concentration. If you don’t meet the listing, you may still qualify based on your ability to work (residual functional capacity).
For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, you must have low income and limited resources. Children with anxiety disorders may also qualify for benefits if their condition started before age 18 and meets SSA criteria.
Minnesota has several programs for people with anxiety disorders. Medical Assistance (MA) covers health care for those with low income and a qualifying disability. The state also offers Supplemental Aid and Housing Support for people with disabilities. Eligibility for these programs is based on income, resources, and disability status. The Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) updates income guidelines each year, effective July 1.
Minnesota’s ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act, effective January 1, 2025, expanded eligibility to people whose disability began before age 46. You must have a qualifying disability and meet SSA criteria.
Public safety employees with duty disabilities may get continued health insurance, but changes in 2025 limit this to five years for regular duty disabilities, unless the disability is total and permanent.
Review Eligibility: Make sure your anxiety disorder meets SSA or Minnesota criteria. See the SSA Blue Book listing for anxiety disorders and Minnesota income/resource limits.
Gather Documents: Collect medical records, treatment history, work history, and proof of income/resources.
Apply for Federal Benefits:
Apply for State Benefits:
Get Help: Contact Disability Hub MN for expert advice and support. They can help with applications, planning, and appeals.
Follow Up: Respond to requests for more information. Track your application status online or by phone.
Federal programs for anxiety disorders include:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Pays a monthly benefit based on your work history.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with low income and resources. Pays a monthly benefit to help with basic needs.
Medicare: Health insurance for people on SSDI after 24 months.
Medicaid: Health insurance for people on SSI or with low income.
SSA: Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)
Medicaid: Minnesota (accessed 2025-11-06)
Minnesota offers several programs for people with anxiety disorders:
Income guidelines for these programs are updated each year with the Social Security COLA. Some programs have expedited review for high-risk applicants.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In Minnesota, you can open an ABLE account if your disability began before age 46 and you meet SSA criteria. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit). Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and health care. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.
Income limits for Minnesota disability programs change each year. For 2025, the limits include the Social Security COLA. For SSI, the federal limit is $943/month for an individual (2025). For Medical Assistance, the limit is higher and varies by household size. Supplemental Aid and Housing Support have their own limits. Check the DB101 website for current numbers.
If you get too much money from a disability program, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For Minnesota programs, report changes to your county office or online. Disability Hub MN can help you understand reporting rules.
Disability Hub MN offers free, expert help with benefits planning, applications, and appeals. Contact them for personalized support.
Yes, if your anxiety disorder is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months and you meet income/resource requirements. You can apply for federal (SSI/SSDI) and state (MA, Supplemental Aid) benefits.
You need medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how your anxiety limits your daily life and ability to work. Letters from doctors and therapists can help.
Federal applications can take 3–6 months. State applications may be faster. Some high-risk cases get expedited review. Contact Disability Hub MN for help with timelines.
Yes, but there are limits. SSI and SSDI have work incentives and trial work periods. You can earn some income without losing benefits. Check with Disability Hub MN for details.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can open one in Minnesota if your disability began before age 46 and you meet SSA criteria.
SSI is for people with low income and resources. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both can help with anxiety disorders if you meet medical and financial criteria.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
Apply for Medical Assistance through the DHS website or county office. You’ll need to show your disability and income. Medical records and proof of income are required.
You can appeal the decision. Ask for a reconsideration, then a hearing. Disability Hub MN can help with appeals and finding legal aid.
Public safety employees with duty disabilities may get continued health insurance, but changes in 2025 limit this to five years for regular duty disabilities, unless the disability is total and permanent.
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to your county office or online. For federal benefits, report changes to SSA. Disability Hub MN can help with reporting rules.
