Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia and Social Security

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects the sufferer in many profound ways. Common symptoms are the inability to determine what is “true” and what false, audio and visual hallucinations, and emotional detachment. The disease is most known for affecting cognition, but eventually it sparks behavior and emotional issues as well. Schizophrenia is a life-long illness.

Typical schizophrenics are unable to interact in normal work environments. The problems stem from them being unable to work with others/public or handle changes in their surroundings from day to day.

Schizophrenia and California Social Security Benefits

If the applicant’s impairments fall within any of the following categories set forth by Social Security’s Listing, a strong claim may exist. The Listing is as follows;

1. Medically documented persistence, either continuous or intermittent, of one or more of the following:
   1. Delusions or hallucinations; or
   2. Catatonic or other grossly disorganized behavior; or
   3. Incoherence, loosening of associations, illogical thinking, or poverty of content of speech if associated with one of the following:
      1. Blunt affect; or
      2. Flat affect; or
      3. Inappropriate affect; or
   4. Emotional withdrawal and/or isolation; and
2. Resulting in at least two of the following:
   1. Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or
   2. Marked difficulties in maintain social functioning; or
   3. Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace; or
   4. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration; or
3. Medically documented history of a chronic schizophrenic, paranoid, or other psychotic disorder of at least 2 years’ duration that has caused more than a minimal limitation of ability to do basic work activities, with symptoms or signs currently attenuated by medication or psychosocial support, and one of the following:
   1. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration; or
   2. A residual disease process that has resulted in such marginal adjustment that even a minimal increase in mental demands or change in the environment would be predicted to cause the individual to decompensate; or
   3. Current history of 1 or more years’ inability to function outside a highly supportive living arrangement, with an indication of continued need for such an arrangement

An individual who does not meet the Social Security Listing above will still be eligible to receive benefits, if he/she has a diagnosis of Schizophrenia and is being treated by a mental health professional (psychologist or psychiatrist). The treatment must be for a period long enough for the mental health professional to have a credible opinion as to disability.

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility please call us at 1-800-882-5500, or submit your application for a free claim evaluation.