Schizophrenia as a Disability for SSDI
The SSA considers schizophrenia to be a qualifying disability if you can’t work or perform any substantial gainful activity due to the severity of your symptoms. Many people who have schizophrenia have trouble understanding reality, but the symptoms can vary. The SSA typically looks for hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms that are disruptive to both your job and daily life. The agency also wants to see that you have consistently undergone treatment for your condition and that it is expected to last for a year or more without significant improvement.
Qualifying for Disability Based on Schizophrenia
Since the SSA sets stringent eligibility criteria for mental health conditions, it can be harder to qualify for SSDI for schizophrenia than for a physical disability. If you also have another qualifying condition in addition to schizophrenia, it might be easier. These might include co-occurring mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, and others.
To get approved for SSDI for schizophrenia, you’ll need to gather and submit thorough documentation that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last for 12 months or longer. It’s best to work with an experienced SSDI lawyer when you plan to seek benefits, as working with an attorney significantly increases your chance of getting approved.
Eligibility Criteria
It’s not easy to get SSDI for schizophrenia. You can increase your chances by submitting extensive evidence showing the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your ability to work.
The Social Security Administration will want you to present evidence that your schizophrenia meets one of the criteria listed in subsection A below, plus at least one criterion in either or both of those listed in subsections B and C.
Criteria under A include the following:
- Hallucinations/delusions
- Disordered speech/thoughts
- Disorganized behavior
- Catatonia
You’ll also need to have at least one extreme limitation or several marked limitations in the following areas under B:
- Applying, remembering, or understanding new information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating or being able to maintain a consistent work pace
- Managing your behaviors/emotions
An extreme limitation means that you can’t independently and consistently function because of the symptoms. A marked limitation means that while you can still independently function, your ability to do so is severely affected.
Alternatively, you can show evidence that your schizophrenia has lasted for two or more years and will continue to interfere with your ability to work despite the following two criteria under C:
- You receive ongoing treatment and support that help to decrease your symptoms
- You continue to have difficulty adapting to changes or new demands
Types of Evidence
Your attorney will need you to gather evidence of your condition’s severity and its impact on your life. We can help you gather it if you’re unable to do so. Some of the types of evidence that might be needed include the following:
- Inpatient psychiatric treatment records
- Outpatient treatment records
- Hospitalization records
- Prescription records
- Doctors’ notes
- Nurses’ notes
- Expert opinion detailing how your schizophrenia affects your ability to work and engage in the activities of daily life
Understanding SSDI vs. SSI
To get SSDI, you must have worked at least five of the last 10 years and have accumulated 40 work credits during your lifetime. People earn four credits per year based on earning at least $7,240 during the year. If you’re younger, you might still qualify for SSDI with fewer credits as follows:
- Under 24: Six credits within the past three years
- Age 24 to 31: Have earned credits for half of the years since age 21
- Age 31+: 20 credits earned in the last 10 years
If you don’t qualify based on your work credits, you might still be eligible for SSI benefits.
Consult Our Attorneys
Qualifying for disability based on schizophrenia is not easy. However, the experienced disability attorneys at Ellis & Associates may be able to help you through the process and increase your chance of success. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 800-MR-ELLIS or sending us a message online.