The application process for Social Security disability benefits can be a confusing and frustrating process. For those suffering from schizophrenia, this process can become even more difficult. If you are afflicted and need help gaining the benefits you deserve, The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur team is here to help. For the best Essex County Social Security disability lawyer around, there is no better option.
When applying for Social Security disability benefits due to schizophrenia, it is important that you understand what documents and information you will need to present to the SSA. To be eligible for benefits, you must meet the SSA defined diagnosis for schizophrenia, which states: “A disease characterized by the onset of psychotic features with deterioration from a previous level of functioning.”
Three categories of requirements are set up by the SSA to determine if a person meets the SSA required diagnosis of schizophrenia. To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must either meet the requirements of sections A and B, or meet the requirements outlined in section C.
Section A documents the existence of the disease over a persistent amount of time, showing that the individual applying for benefits has been suffering, or is expected to suffer from, the disease for at least a year’s time. The three medical conditions that must be experienced during this time are as follows: 1. Delusions or hallucinations, 2. Catatonic or other grossly disorganized behavior, 3. Incoherence, loosening of associations, or illogical thinking.
Section B lays out a series of possible effects these medical conditions can lead, and an individual must meet two of them to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. They include: 1. Marked restriction of daily living or activities, 2. Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning, 3. Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence or pace, 4. Repeated episodes of decompensation.
Going a different route, Section C simply allows benefits to be considered for anyone who has documentation of being affected by schizophrenia for at least two years and has experience severe limitations to their daily lives.
If you need help determining which qualifications you or a loved one meet, and how you should go about applying for Social Security disability benefits for schizophrenia, please set up a call with The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur. Our team will set up a free consultation to discuss a game plan for getting you the benefits you deserve.
