How to Get Disability Benefits and Payments for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that makes it difficult to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, to think logically, to have normal emotional responses, and to behave normally in social situations.  Usually starting in young adulthood, schizophrenia can also cause the sufferer to feel frightened and paranoid.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia and Impairments

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of schizophrenia are different in each person.  Often, people with this disorder seek treatment for problems with mood, daily function, or abnormal thoughts.  Psychosis and mood changes may occur at one time, or off and on by themselves.  At first, the symptoms may not be noticeable.  The afflicted individual can become isolated and withdrawn and have trouble making or keeping friends. 

As the illness progresses, psychotic symptoms can last for at least two weeks without major mood symptoms.  The following symptoms can occur with schizoaffective disorder:

• Changes in energy and appetite
• Believing that someone on the television or radio is speaking directly to you or that secret messages are hidden in common objects
• Disorganized speech that is not logical
• False beliefs or delusions
• Feeling that everyone is out to get you; i.e. paranoia
• Irritability and poor temper control
• Lack of concern with grooming and hygiene
• Problems sleeping
• Seeing or hearing things, experiencing hallucinations
• Trouble concentrating

Impairments

Individuals with schizophrenia have a high risk of developing a substance abuse problem.  Use of alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of relapse.  Physical illness is common among people with schizophrenia due to the side effects of medication.  Neurological signs and cognitive impairments are important features of schizophrenic illness.  It also causes impairment in social and vocational functioning, which can least for at least six months.  The individuals with this disorder may develop significant loss of interest or pleasure.  They may show a lack of interest in eating or may refuse food as a consequence of delusional beliefs.  Often, movement is abnormal, including pacing or rocking motions. 

The life expectancy of individuals with Schizophrenia is shorter than that of the general population for a variety or reasons.  Suicide is an important factor, because approximately 10% of individuals with this disorder commit suicide and between 20 to 40% make at least one suicide attempt.  There is an increased risk of assaultive and violent behavior.

Getting Disability Benefits for Schizophrenia

To receive Social Security Disability or SSI disability benefits, an individual must be able to show that they are unable to work and earn a substantial gainful income while performing jobs that they have previously done within the past fifteen years.  To qualify for benefits, the applicant’s records must show the existence of intermittent or continuous delusions, hallucinations, catatonic or other grossly disorganized behaviors.  In order to prove their case, the claimant must exhibit at least two of the following symptoms:

• Markedly restricted daily activities
• Market restrictions in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace
• Marked restriction in the ability to maintain social functioning
• Extended and repeated episodes of decompensation.

If the applicant does not qualify for disability on the basis of this above criteria, they must be able to show:

1. A medically documented history of psychotic disorder that has lasted at least two years and has resulted in a limitation of the ability to do basic work activities
2. The medical history must who the existence of repeated and extended episode of decompensation or inability to function outside a supportive living arrangement for at least one year

Doctors play a vital role for the patient diagnosed with Schizophrenia because the doctor must sign, approve, and document that the person is unable to sustain a normal standard of living.

Reasons for Denials and How to Appeal

Winning an appeal for SSI or SSDI disability take organization.  You will need to ensure your case is current and all medical evidence is updated.  If you are initially denied benefits, you must appeal through a document called a Request for Reconsideration.  The decision is usually issued within 90 days.  If you are denied during the claim at the Reconsideration level, you must request a hearing.  This is held before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). 

Getting Help from a Disability Lawyer

Experienced lawyers can help with Schizophrenia disorder by providing the proper documentation and medial evidence necessary to the government so that their claim will be approved.  The simple fact is that people who are represented by attorneys are approved at a much higher rate than people who try to navigate the process alone.