Schizophrenia and Social Security Disability

Schizophrenia and Social Security Disability

Over the 30+ years in which I have handled claims for Social Security Disability benefits, I have heard many stories from family members about loved ones who suffer with schizophrenia that hurts your heart. Stories of talking and screaming at people who were not present.  Running away from their home because they were convinced someone was trying to steal their name and personality.  Becoming threatening to those who love them the most.  Simply struggling at times to know what is real and what isn’t.  They did not ask for these problems; they didn’t do anything wrong-but suddenly their world is turned upside down. Parents have sat in my office with tears in their eyes telling me that as much as they love their adult children, they don’t know how much longer they can deal with their child’s problems. If a parent says that, what chance do you think such a person would have in maintaining steady employment?

According to the 2023 study by RTI International and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), around 1.2% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 65 (approximately 2.5 million citizens) met the diagnostic criteria for a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and was most common with adults aged 26 to 44.  Moreover, according to the attached 2019 article, it is estimated that 70-80% of persons who suffer from schizophrenia fail to respond to antipsychotic treatment. That means that somewhere between 2,240,000 – 2,560,000 Americans who try to battle against the symptoms of schizophrenia do so without any meaningful help from their medication.

The Social Security Administration lists schizophrenia as a condition which can be disabling when the symptoms interferes with the person’s ability to engage in sustained work activity. Listing 12.03 in the Code of Federal Regulations lays out in specifics the impairments which a sufferer has to have in order to qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits for this condition; however, if you do not “meet or equal” this listing, you may still be entitled to disability benefits if your condition, in conjunction with any other physical or mental impairment, prevents you from returning to work you have done in the past and other substantial work you might be qualified to perform given your age, education and acquired work skills.

Additionally, schizophrenia is not a respecter of age, and children can also suffer with schizophrenia, and the Social Security Administration also lists schizophrenia as a condition that can be disabling for children under Listing 112.03.

If you or a loved one lives in Alabama, you are suffering from the effects of schizophrenia and you believe you are disabled as the result and are entitled to Social Security Disability or SSI benefits, don’t give up. Please feel free to contact one of the experienced Alabama Disability Attorneys at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation, and remember, virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of the attorneys of Powell and Denny from wherever you live.

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Powell and Denny: We Work When You Can’t

Offices in Birmingham, AL and Huntsville, AL

 

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Schizophrenia and Social Security Disability