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Schizophrenia can qualify as a disability under both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. However, having a diagnosis in your medical records is not enough. You must meet specific legal criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Schizophrenia is recognized as a disabling condition by the Social Security Administration, but you must have medical evidence to show that your symptoms prevent you from holding a full-time job despite treatment.
Working with a North Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer could allow you to build a strong case to get approved for SSDI or SSI.
You Could Qualify if Your Symptoms Make it Difficult to Work and Earn a Living
To receive Social Security Disability, the SSA requires medical evidence that your schizophrenia is:
- A severe impairment
- That it has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months
- That it prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
While you will need a diagnosis of the condition in your medical records, simply having a schizophrenia diagnosis is not enough. You must meet additional criteria that show your condition is severe and prevents you from working and earning a living.
Schizophrenia is Included in the SSA’s Impairment Listings
The SSA publishes a listing of impairments and the criteria you must meet to qualify based on the diagnosis of the impairment. This listing is known as “the Blue Book.”
Schizophrenia is found under Section 12.03 – Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. According to this listing, you must have medical evidence that shows one or more of the following symptoms:
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Disorganized thinking or speech
- Grossly disorganized behavior or catatonia
Documentation will likely include your relevant medical records, psychiatric evaluations, and treatment history. You must also have proof of your functional limitations to qualify. These qualifications include an extreme limitation in one or a marked limitation in two of the following:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interactions with others
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing yourself
While having these functional limitations documented in your records could help you receive approval, you could still qualify without meeting the strict requirements in the Blue Book.
This approval is possible through a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluation. The RFC evaluation assesses how your symptoms limit your ability to work on a daily basis.
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Medical Evidence is Critical in Getting Approval
When you apply for a Social Security Disability program based on schizophrenia, having strong medical evidence is crucial. The Social Security Disability examiner will look for medical records that confirm you have a serious impairment that prevents you from working. This could include records showing the following:
- Psychiatric hospitalizations
- Medication histories that include taking antipsychotics or mood stabilizers
- Therapy or counseling notes
- Reports from psychiatrists, psychologists, or clinical social workers
Medical opinions about your ability to hold attention, handle stress, interact appropriately with others, and adapt to workplace changes carry significant weight. You should discuss your application with your doctor before you file and ask them to check that your records are complete.
Without comprehensive documentation, the SSA may deny your claim. If you want to learn more about how to give yourself the best chance at approval, discuss your application and how the process works with the Social Security Disability lawyers with our firm.
What if Your Schizophrenia Symptoms Do Not Meet the Criteria?
Some people living with schizophrenia manage their symptoms well enough with medication and therapy to maintain a job and earn a living. Others may have severe episodic symptoms but do not have ongoing issues with their condition.
If you do not qualify based on the impairment listing for your diagnosis, the SSA will evaluate your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This could require attending a disability medical exam scheduled and paid for by the SSA.
This evaluation looks at:
- The tasks you can still perform
- How often you are likely to miss work
- Your ability to focus your attention and concentration
- Your tolerance for stress
- How well you can interact with supervisors, coworkers, and the public
If your RFC shows you cannot perform any other full-time job that you might qualify for, you could receive benefits.
What About Medications and Side Effects?
Many people take antipsychotic medications to manage their schizophrenia symptoms. These drugs can cause significant side effects, including drowsiness, tremors, weight gain, confusion, or other cognitive impairments. As a part of an RFC assessment, the SSA will consider these side effects and their impact on the individual’s ability to work.
If medication side effects make it difficult for you to focus, stay awake, or function on the job, you should talk to your doctor about how to document these side effects in your medical records.
You should also speak to your attorney about how they make it difficult to work certain jobs or manage your necessary tasks in your everyday life.
The Importance of Compliance with Treatment
Many people with schizophrenia and other serious mental health conditions struggle with compliance. If you are prescribed medication or have ongoing therapy sessions, you should not miss them without a good reason.
The SSA will look at whether you are following your prescribed treatment plan. You should have a well-documented reason for ongoing issues with complying with the plan.
Talk to a Social Security Disability Team Member About Your Claim
If you or a loved one is considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits based on schizophrenia, you need detailed documentation of your condition. Our legal team can help you navigate the process, file your claim, and fight for the benefits you need.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we have served more than 10,000 clients. We have six attorneys in five offices, including Rutherfordton, Morganton, Hendersonville, and Shelby, NC, and Spartanburg, SC.
Our attorneys will review your case and discuss your options for free today. Contact us.
