Can I apply for EDD disability for anxiety after exhausting benefits for a back injury?
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle and could use some advice. I was on disability for a back injury, but those benefits have run out. Now I'm dealing with severe panic and anxiety that's making it impossible for me to work. Has anyone successfully applied for disability benefits for mental health after already receiving benefits for a physical condition? What was your experience like? Any tips on how to approach this with EDD?
23 comments


Andrew Pinnock
I've been through something similar. It's definitely possible to apply for disability benefits based on mental health conditions, even if you've previously received benefits for a physical issue. Here's what I learned: • Get solid documentation from your doctor about your panic/anxiety disorder and how it affects your ability to work. • Be prepared to explain how your mental health condition is different from and separate to your previous physical disability. • When you talk to EDD, be clear and specific about how your anxiety impacts your daily life and work capabilities. • Consider getting help from a disability advocate or lawyer if you run into any issues. Good luck! The process can be frustrating, but don't give up.
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Brianna Schmidt
•This is really helpful info, thanks for sharing! Did you have any trouble convincing EDD that your mental health issues were separate from your physical disability?
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Andrew Pinnock
•It took some explaining, but I made sure to emphasize how the anxiety developed separately and was impacting different aspects of my life. Having clear documentation from my psychiatrist really helped.
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Alexis Renard
•How long did the whole process take for you? I've heard horror stories about waiting forever 😩
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Andrew Pinnock
•It took about 3 months from application to approval for me. But I've heard it can vary a lot. Staying on top of follow-ups and providing all requested info quickly seemed to help speed things up.
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Camila Jordan
ugh, the EDD is such a nightmare to deal with. good luck getting anyone on the phone 🙄
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Tyler Lefleur
•For real tho 💯 I spent HOURS on hold last time I tried to call them
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Madeline Blaze
•Pro tip: call right when they open. Sometimes you can get through faster.
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Max Knight
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site called claimyr.com - it's a calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, and then connects you when a live agent picks up. It costs $20, but it worked for me. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Emma Swift
•Sounds too good to be true. Does it really work?
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Max Knight
•It did for me! Saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imo
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Isabella Tucker
•Idk man, paying to talk to a government agency feels wrong somehow 🤔
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Max Knight
•I get that, but when you factor in the time and stress saved, it was worth it for me. To each their own tho!
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Jayden Hill
have you considerd looking into vocational rehab programs? They might be able to help you find work that accommodates your anxiety
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LordCommander
Just wanted to say hang in there, OP. Mental health struggles are no joke. Sending positive vibes your way! 💖
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Ella Lewis
•Thank you so much, that means a lot 🙏
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Lucy Lam
Not to be that guy, but have you tried meditation or CBD? It's been a game-changer for my anxiety
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Aidan Hudson
•Bruh, if their anxiety is bad enough to need disability, I don't think CBD is gonna cut it 🙄
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Lucy Lam
•Hey, just trying to help. Different things work for different people 🤷♂️
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Zoe Wang
The whole system is broken af. We shouldn't have to jump through so many hoops to get help when we're struggling. eat the rich lol
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Connor Richards
•preach 🙌
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Grace Durand
I work in HR and deal with disability claims sometimes. Happy to answer any specific questions if you have them!
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Ella Lewis
•That's so kind of you! I might take you up on that offer as I navigate this process.
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