Schizophrenia: Social Security Disability Benefits

Are you, or a loved one, living with schizophrenia? Our Pennsylvania attorneys know how difficult it can be to deal with the ramifications of schizophrenia and its debilitating symptoms. While our law firm can't cure your mental condition, we can help you fight for all the Social Security disability benefits (SSD) that you deserve.

Schizophrenia often compromises the everyday activities that most people take for granted, leading to a host of long-term difficulties that may include depression, drug use, and suicidal thoughts. Receiving the SSD benefits that you need can help alleviate some of your the worries and concerns, and help you focus on your treatment and rehabilitation.

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a break from reality and abnormalities in perception. Often, those suffering from schizophrenia will experience hallucinations, paranoia, compromised speech, and disorganized thinking.

There is no official cause linked to schizophrenia, nor is there a standard test to diagnosis the illness. However, research has shown strong evidence that schizophrenic individuals are often predisposed by genetics, and environmental factors tend to bring about an onset of the condition.

Who is Eligible to Receive Disability Benefits for Schizophrenia?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) applies certain criteria to all SSD benefits applicants. Your illness must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also have significant work history to be eligible. For those lacking work history, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be available instead.

Though the above criteria applies to all people seeking Social Security disability benefits, each case of schizophrenia is evaluated on an individual basis by Disability Determination Services (DDS). While they will measure how greatly schizophrenia affects your everyday life, they will also look to your medical history for evidence of diagnosis and the presence of symptoms.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia and Disorder Subtypes

Schizophrenia symptoms tend to be broken down into two main classifications. Positive symptoms are additive characteristics that individuals without schizophrenia do not normally experience. Negative symptoms are the absence of normal abilities or traits.

Positive Symptoms

Negative Symptoms

Along with positive and negative symptoms, schizophrenia may be broken down into sub-classifications, which include:

Suffering from Schizophrenia and Seeking Disability Benefits?

Over three-quarters of the people who file for Social Security disability benefits will be denied the first time that they apply. Though this statistic may look daunting, don't get discouraged – with the help of an experienced legal team, you can beat the odds.

Our Pennsylvania attorneys know the Social Security system. They have the knowledge to help you get all the SSD benefits that you deserve. Start fighting for your Social Security disability benefits today by taking advantage of our free legal evaluation.