Missouri residents suffering from schizophrenia experience varied and severe symptoms that are often difficult for caregivers to manage. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) understands the various challenges schizophrenia poses to those who suffer from the disease and their caregivers, so it provides Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits to those schizophrenia patients who meet the criteria set by the SSA.
To determine eligibility, the SSA compares the symptoms shown by the applicant against the agency’s disability determination guidelines. According to these guidelines, an applicant will be eligible for SSD benefits, if the applicant displays certain symptoms of schizophrenia. For example, these symptons include delusions, mood swings, abnormal speech and hallucinations, among various other symptoms. Additionally, the SSA also checks if the symptoms affect certain inherent abilities of the applicant to the extent that the applicant cannot do the most basic and routine activities.
If for some reason the SSA cannot determine eligibility, the applicant may still be able to obtain SSD benefits for schizophrenia, provided the symptoms of the illness have been present for at least two years. These prolonged symptoms must also make it impossible for the applicant to lead a normal life without the assistance and constant monitoring of a caregiver.
The rules pertaining to disability determination for schizophrenia may look simple, but the fact remains that SSD benefits applications are often complex and accompanied by a combination of numerous medical examinations, disability determination exercises and other requirements, which may be difficult to provide if the applicant is already disabled. Help with preparing and filing this kind of application can be obtained from an experienced attorney.
Source: Sardaa.org, “Tips on Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Schizophrenia,” accessed on July 2, 2015
