Panic Disorder Benefits in Nebraska: How to Apply & Get Help

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your Panic Disorder must be severe enough to prevent you from doing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or result in death.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a "Listing of Impairments" to identify qualifying conditions. Panic Disorder is not listed, but you can still qualify if your symptoms are as severe as a listed condition.
• You must provide medical evidence showing how your Panic Disorder limits your ability to work, such as difficulty concentrating, interacting with others, or handling stress.
• For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits.
• In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered SGA and may disqualify you from benefits.
• Children with Panic Disorder may qualify for benefits if their condition severely limits their activities.

Sources: SSA Disability Qualifications (2025-11-06), Impact Disability Law (2025-11-06)

• Nebraska residents with Panic Disorder may qualify for federal SSI or SSDI if they meet the criteria above.
• If you are denied federal benefits because your disability is expected to last less than 12 months, you may be eligible for the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program. This program provides monetary payments and medical coverage for those who do not qualify for SSI.
• The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program offers up to $400 per month for services like home modifications, counseling, and personal care for those with severe, chronic disabilities, including Panic Disorder.
• State employees may have access to short- and long-term disability insurance through their employer, which can provide partial income replacement if Panic Disorder prevents you from working.
• Nebraska Medicaid waivers may be available to help cover costs for home and community-based services.

Sources: Nebraska DHHS AABD (2025-11-06), Nebraska DHHS DPFS (2025-11-06), Nebraska State Employee Disability Benefits (2025-11-06)

• Gather medical records showing your Panic Disorder diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Contact the Social Security Administration to apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• If denied, ask about the AABD or DPFS programs through Nebraska DHHS.
• State employees should check with their HR department about disability insurance options.
• Use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you qualify for SSI.

Sources: SSA Apply for Benefits (2025-11-06), Nebraska DHHS AABD (2025-11-06)

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including doctor’s notes, therapy records, and any hospitalization records related to your Panic Disorder.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 3: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. You may also apply for the AABD program through Nebraska DHHS if your disability is expected to last less than 12 months.
• Step 4: For ongoing support, apply for the DPFS program through Nebraska DHHS. This program can help with home modifications, counseling, and personal care.
• Step 5: State employees should contact their HR department to learn about short- and long-term disability insurance options.
• Step 6: Use the SSI Income Estimator to check your eligibility for SSI.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.

Sources: SSA Apply for Benefits (2025-11-06), Nebraska DHHS AABD (2025-11-06), Nebraska DHHS DPFS (2025-11-06), Nebraska State Employee Disability Benefits (2025-11-06)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or over 65.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s Social Security record.
• Work Incentives: Programs like the Trial Work Period allow you to try working without losing benefits.

Sources: SSA Disability Benefits (2025-11-06)

• Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD): Provides monetary payments and medical coverage for those denied SSI due to a disability expected to last less than 12 months.
• Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS): Offers up to $400 per month for services like home modifications, counseling, and personal care for those with severe, chronic disabilities.
• State Employee Disability Insurance: Short- and long-term disability insurance for state employees, providing partial income replacement if Panic Disorder prevents you from working.
• Medicaid Waivers: May be available to help cover costs for home and community-based services.

Sources: Nebraska DHHS AABD (2025-11-06), Nebraska DHHS DPFS (2025-11-06), Nebraska State Employee Disability Benefits (2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. In Nebraska, you can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses.
• Contributions to ABLE accounts are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free.
• The account can be used for expenses like education, housing, transportation, and personal support.

Sources: ABLE Accounts (2025-11-06)

• For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967 per month. Your income and resources must be below this limit to qualify.
• For SSDI, there is no income limit, but earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered SGA and may disqualify you from benefits.
• State programs like AABD and DPFS may have different income limits.

Sources: SSA SSI Limits (2025-11-06)

• You must report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits.
• Use the SSA’s online portal to report changes and avoid issues.

Sources: SSA Reporting Changes (2025-11-06)

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-383-4278

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  Contact for AABD and DPFS programs.
• Centauri Health Solutions
  Phone: 1-800-383-4278

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  Help applying for SSI or SSDI.

• Can I get disability benefits for Panic Disorder in Nebraska?

  Yes, if your Panic Disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical evidence showing how your condition limits your ability to work.

• What medical evidence do I need for Panic Disorder disability?

  You need medical records, doctor’s notes, therapy records, and any hospitalization records that show your Panic Disorder diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.

• How long does it take to get disability benefits for Panic Disorder?

  The process can take several months. It may take longer if your application is denied and you need to appeal. Providing complete medical evidence can help speed up the process.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for Panic Disorder?

  Yes, there are work incentives like the Trial Work Period that allow you to try working without losing benefits. However, earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) may affect your eligibility.

• What if my Panic Disorder is not listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments?

  You can still qualify if your symptoms are as severe as a listed condition. You must provide medical evidence showing how your Panic Disorder limits your ability to work.

• Can children get disability benefits for Panic Disorder?

  Yes, children with Panic Disorder may qualify if their condition severely limits their activities. Benefits may continue into adulthood if the disability began before age 22.