Disability Benefits for Schizophrenia – Eligibility and Application Process
People diagnosed with schizophrenia may not look as though they are disabled but many are unable to maintain gainful employment. People may present with varying symptoms, not all of which are obvious, and sometimes symptoms go unnoticed. A medical examination by an expert will help reveal this debilitating disease that can sometimes worsen over a period of time.
People with schizophrenia may need a caregiver because the condition can worsen at any point in time. They may not be able to care for themselves over the long term. Stressful environments like the workplace can trigger the condition, making it difficult to earn a living or perform normal daily activities.
It is important for those with the condition to remain calm and not get worked up. It would be hard for them to keep their mood swings in check or control behavior if repeatedly exposed to stressful environments. Often, only empathy and medical intervention can help these people live a somewhat normal existence.
Treatment for schizophrenia often involves psychotherapy, medication, and the assistance of a caregiver, which means added expenses without means to pay for them. One solution to this problem would be to seek disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA administers the Social Security Disability Insurance program, or SSDI, and the Supplemental Security Income program, or SSI for schizophrenia.
To obtain entitlement for disability benefits you will have to fill out an application, usually online, and provide medical records to prove your SSI Eligibility and Benefits. This can be done for you by a loved one, or you can hire a lawyer to help you throughout the process.
Can You Get a Disability for Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a disease that includes cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems that include varying symptoms but often involve delusions, hallucinations or disorganized speech. The condition will impair a person’s ability to function in everyday life.
Psychologists and medical practitioners help patients manage the ill effects of the disease and challenges related to self-care, work, school, family, and relationships.
If the symptoms are frequently observed, a person cannot generally function despite medical intervention or treatment, or if there are severe side effects to prescribed medicines, they may be considered disabled.
Those with schizophrenia experience a range of impairments. The patient may have trouble interacting with people normally. They may be unable to make appropriate decisions due to impaired thought processes. They may find it challenging to resolve issues effectively. They may have difficulty remembering. Many people become isolated and alone because the condition is not well understood by laypeople.
The SSA helps people suffering from a mental disability such as this by providing financial and other support when they are no longer able to work. Some examples of benefits include paying for everyday living expenses, medical coverage, and other financial support.
Is Schizophrenia a Disability?
People with this disease may present with a variety of symptoms. The condition makes it difficult to make decisions, solve problems, or remember important information. Many people with schizophrenia find it difficult to complete routine tasks. This reduced functional capacity makes the person unable to work independently.
To obtain benefits, the applicant has to submit documents from a psychiatrist or psychologist regarding their health condition. Documentation should include the following information:
- That the applicant has or is expected to have this condition for 12 months or longer
- Any anxiety-related disorders like severe phobia, post-traumatic stress, panic disorder or any other anxiety-related condition that are present
- Any personality disorders where one will suffer severe clinical depression
- Any affective disorders to include bipolar disorder
- Brain scans or other evidence of physical abnormalities that shows an organic cause for symptoms (if applicable)
Does Schizophrenia Qualify for Disability?
Not everyone with schizophrenia is disabled. Only a relatively small percentage will have symptoms severe enough to warrant disability benefits. For those who do suffer from severe schizophrenia, the government has programs that provide financial assistance.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has published specific medical criteria that must be met to determine someone eligible for disability benefits.
To meet the criteria, an applicant has to submit documentation from a psychiatrist or psychologist. There are different rules for older people. If you are planning to file for SSDI Over 50, make sure you know the rules for the application and approval process.
- The health records should note the treatment received from specialized medical personnel dealing with these disabilities. The documents should show the kinds of treatment used to manage the disorder and how the treatment affected the individual, to include any medicine-related impairment. The reports should also discuss the individual’s condition in the absence of treatment or medication, such as how the person’s mind and body are affected by schizophrenia.
- A complete and detailed report should demonstrate how the patient’s condition is managed by treatment and how symptoms may be aggravated by environmental factors. If the criteria are met, the Social Security Administration will likely approve disability benefits for schizophrenia.
How To Get Disability Benefits for Schizophrenia?
Many people suffer from this disorder, but not all of them have the same degree of symptoms or severity. Severity of the condition can depend on various conditions like genetic factors, environment, or physical health. Some people respond well to treatment and medication if diagnosed early and are able to lead normal everyday lives. Of course, support from the family is critical.
In some cases, while medications may alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia, the type of medications used could create other mental and physical impairments, or make other existing conditions worse. While the outcome may be that the patient is able to clearly think, they still may not be able to maintain employment due to the side effects of medications necessary to treat schizophrenia.
The Social Security Administration has published a listing of criteria to be fulfilled before being determined eligible to get benefits. These benefits are crucial to easing the burdens this disease places on a person’s life by providing some financial support.
An applicant has to provide the following documents from a psychiatrist or psychologist regarding their health condition to SSA. In addition, the patient should procure treatment records that proves the disability has existed or will exist for more than a year and show a history of any treatment.
Though a patient may receive excellent access to proper medications and supportive counseling, this is not a cure. Treatment can, however, provide the patient sufficient relief to reasonably manage normal life.
The application process is complex. You need to fulfill the criteria stated in the Blue Book with supporting medical evidence. The Blue Book is one way the SSA assesses people who claim disability benefits. Meeting the criteria can be achieved only by providing medical records of the disease and disabling conditions that it causes.
Seek Legal Assistance for a Smooth Application Process
Every schizophrenia patient faces different degrees of severity. Therefore, every case should be handled differently. As soon as you start facing disability due to schizophrenia, you should talk to an experienced San Antonio social security disability attorney. They will evaluate your case and help you to obtain financial support for your condition.