Tag: disability law

When you apply for SSDI, it can be a complicated and challenging process. From navigating complex eligibility requirements to providing the necessary medical evidence, there are many nuances to the application process. That’s why hiring an attorney who specializes in SSDI claims can make a big difference in the outcome of your application.

Completing Your Applications

One of the key benefits of hiring an attorney for your SSDI claim is that they can help ensure that your application is completed correctly and that all the necessary information is provided. This can increase the likelihood that your application will be approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Attorneys who specialize in SSDI claims are familiar with the eligibility requirements and know what types of medical evidence are necessary to support a claim. They can also help ensure that your application is submitted in a timely manner, which is crucial in the SSDI application process.

Easier Appeal Process

Another key benefit of hiring an attorney when you apply for SSDI is that they can help with the appeals process if your initial claim is denied. Many SSDI claims are denied initially, but an attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and request the necessary evidence to support your claim. This can significantly increase your chances of being approved for SSDI benefits.

Get Additional Backpay

In addition to helping with the application and appeals process, attorneys who specialize in SSDI claims can also help clients increase the amount of backpay they receive with their claims. The SSA often changes the date of disability onset, reducing the amount of backpay benefits. If you have already been approved for SSDI benefits but did not receive payments for all the months you were unable to work, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and get the benefits that you deserve. Attorneys can also help clients navigate the complex rules and regulations that govern SSDI benefits, ensuring that they are receiving the maximum amount of benefits possible.

What To Know About Hiring a Disability Attorney

One common misconception about hiring an attorney for your SSDI claim is that it is too expensive. However, most SSDI attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that they only get paid if you win your claim. The fee is typically a percentage of your back pay, which is the amount of money that you are owed from the date of your disability to the date that your claim is approved. This means that you don’t have to pay any attorney fees upfront, and you can be confident that your attorney is working hard to get you the benefits that you deserve.

Another common misconception is that hiring an attorney is unnecessary if you have a strong case. However, even if you believe that you have a strong case, there are many nuances to the SSDI application process that an attorney can help you navigate. For example, an attorney can help ensure you avoid common mistakes that can result in your claim being denied or delayed.

Ready to apply for SSDI? Hiring an attorney who only works with Social Security disability claims can make a big difference in the outcome of your application. Our experienced disability attorneys can help ensure that your application is completed correctly and that all the necessary information is provided. We can also help expedite the appeals process if your initial claim is denied and ensure you receive compensation for all the eligible months you are rightfully entitled. If you are considering applying, appealing, or need assistance with an unfair approval, let us help you navigate the complex SSDI application process and get you the benefits you deserve.

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a complicated and lengthy process. Unfortunately, there are many common mistakes that applicants make that can result in their claim being denied. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 most common mistakes to avoid when applying for SSDI.

1. Failing to meet the eligibility requirements

The first and most obvious mistake is to apply for SSDI without meeting the eligibility requirements. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a disability that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. You also need to have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes over a certain period of time.

2. Waiting too long to apply

Many people make the mistake of waiting too long to apply for SSDI. The process can take several months or even years, so it is important to apply as soon as you become disabled and meet the eligibility requirements.

3. Not seeking medical treatment

It is essential to seek medical treatment for your disability and provide medical evidence to support your claim. Without medical evidence, it will be difficult to prove that you have a disabling condition that meets the eligibility requirements for SSDI.

4. Not following doctor’s orders

If you are not following your doctor’s orders and not doing what you can to manage your condition, it may be difficult to convince the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working.

5. Not being honest about your condition

It is important to be honest and forthright about your condition when applying for SSDI. If you try to downplay your symptoms or exaggerate your limitations, it may raise red flags with the SSA and result in your claim being denied.

6. Failing to provide complete information

When applying for SSDI, it is important to provide complete and accurate information about your medical condition, work history, and other relevant information. Failure to provide complete information can result in delays or denial of your claim.

7. Not appealing a denied claim

If your claim is denied, it is important to appeal the decision within the timeframe allowed. Many claims are denied initially but are approved on appeal.

8. Failing to get help from an attorney or advocate

Navigating the SSDI application process can be complex and confusing. It is important to get help from an attorney or advocate who is experienced in SSDI claims.

9. Not following up on your claim

It is important to follow up on your claim and make sure that the SSA has received all the necessary information. Failure to follow up can result in delays or even denial of your claim.

10. Being impatient

Finally, it is important to be patient when applying for SSDI. The process can take several months or even years, and it is important to stay positive and persistent throughout the process.

Applying for SSDI can be a challenging and complicated process. However, by avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of success. Seek medical treatment, provide complete and accurate information, be honest about your condition, and get help from an experienced attorney or advocate. With patience, persistence, and some assistance from an experienced disability attorney, you can increase your chances of receiving the SSDI benefits you deserve.

Anxiety disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to work and carry out daily activities. For some individuals, the symptoms of anxiety can be severe enough to warrant disability payments. However, applying for SSDI for anxiety disorders can be a complex process that presents several challenges.

SSDI and Anxiety

One of the primary concerns when applying for disability payments for anxiety disorders is that these conditions can be difficult to diagnose and quantify. Unlike physical disabilities, the symptoms of anxiety disorders can be subjective and difficult to measure. Additionally, some people with anxiety disorders may have periods of remission or symptoms that fluctuate, which can complicate the evaluation process.

Applying for Disability with Anxiety

Another issue that arises with disability claims for anxiety disorders is that they may be denied initially, even if the person meets the criteria for disability. This can happen if the application is incomplete or if the medical evidence is not sufficient to support the claim. In some cases, the applicant may need to go through an appeals process, which can be time-consuming and difficult.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to obtain disability payments for anxiety disorders. The likelihood of approval depends on several factors, including the severity of the symptoms, the duration of the condition, and the impact it has on the person’s ability to work. In general, the more severe and persistent the symptoms, the higher the chances of approval.

Get the Help of a Disability Attorney

Working with an attorney can be beneficial for individuals who are seeking disability payments for anxiety disorders. An attorney can help navigate the complex application process and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted. They can also represent the applicant during an appeal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge and provide legal guidance throughout the process.

To increase the chances of approval for a mental health-related disability claim, it is important to provide as much detailed information as possible. This may include medical records, treatment history, and statements from mental health professionals who have treated the applicant. The more evidence that is available to support the claim, the stronger the case will be.

In addition to medical records and treatment history, it can be helpful to provide a detailed description of how the anxiety disorder affects daily life and work. This may include information on how the symptoms impact the ability to concentrate, complete tasks, and interact with others. Providing a clear picture of how the disorder affects the ability to function can be crucial in demonstrating the need for disability payments.

While obtaining disability payments for anxiety disorders can be a challenging process, it is possible with the right documentation and legal support. While there is no guarantee of approval, providing detailed medical records and treatment history, as well as working with an experienced attorney, can increase the chances of success. Ultimately, the goal of disability payments is to provide support for individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental health condition, and those who meet the criteria for disability should not hesitate to pursue this option. Contact one of the disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill for assistance in applying for SSDI for anxiety. 

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI) are two types of government programs designed to provide financial assistance to those who are unable to work or have limited income. While these programs are helpful for those who are eligible, they can also have an impact on other government benefits like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. Does social security disability count as income? Find out how getting disability benefits can affect ACA and other government program eligibility. 

Calculating Overall Income

When it comes to calculating overall income, SSDI and SSI payments are both considered sources of income. However, the way these payments are treated can differ depending on the program in question. For example, when determining eligibility for Medicaid, both SSDI and SSI payments are counted as income. This means that if your income exceeds the Medicaid income limit, you may not be eligible for the program. In some cases, individuals may need to spend down their income or assets in order to qualify for Medicaid.

Similarly, when it comes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SSDI and SSI payments are counted as income. However, the amount of the payment is also taken into consideration. This means that if you receive a large SSDI or SSI payment, your SNAP benefit may be reduced or eliminated entirely. On the other hand, if your SSDI or SSI payment is relatively small, you may still be eligible for SNAP.

Affordable Care Act and SSDI

When it comes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), SSDI and SSI payments are not considered when determining eligibility for insurance. This means that even if you receive SSDI or SSI payments, you may still be eligible for ACA insurance. However, it is important to note that other factors, such as household income, may still impact eligibility. Additionally, those who receive SSDI or SSI may also be eligible for Medicare, which is a government-funded health insurance program for those over the age of 65 or certain disability recipients.

It is important to note that while SSDI and SSI payments are considered income for certain government programs, they are not considered taxable income by the IRS. This means that you will not have to pay taxes on your SSDI or SSI payments.

Consult with a Disability Attorney

Overall, SSDI and SSI payments can have a significant impact on your eligibility for other government programs. If you are receiving these types of payments, it is important to understand how they may impact your ability to receive benefits like Medicaid, ACA, SNAP, or other assistance programs. By working with one of the experienced disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill, you can confirm how your application for SSDI will affect other benefits you may be receiving and whether or not you will remain eligible for them in the future. Visit the website to schedule a free evaluation. 

Sometimes when receiving Social Security Disability payments, it can be unclear what will happen if you return to work. Many people fear that they may forfeit their SSDI payments only to find that they are not prepared to go back to work yet. However, the social security disability trial work period can bridge that gap.

Social Security Disability Trial Work Period Explained

The Social Security Disability Trial Work Period (TWP) is a program designed to help individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits see if they are ready to return to work. It allows individuals to test their ability to work and still receive SSDI benefits without worrying about losing their benefits if their work efforts are unsuccessful.

Can I Work Part-Time on Social Security Disability?

The TWP is a nine-month period during which individuals can earn money from a job while still receiving SSDI benefits. During this time, individuals can earn as much as they want without losing their benefits as long as they report their work activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA). After the TWP is over, individuals can still receive benefits if they are unable to work due to their disability, as long as they meet the medical and non-medical eligibility requirements.

Why Use TWP?

One of the main goals of the TWP is to help individuals try returning to work while they are still receiving benefits. It allows individuals to see if they are able to work and still manage their disability, without the fear of losing their benefits if their work efforts are not successful. It also helps individuals transition back into the workforce by providing a period of time where they can receive the support and resources they need to succeed.

Ticket to Work Program

In addition to the TWP, the SSA also offers other programs to help individuals return to work, such as the Ticket to Work program and the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program. These programs provide individuals with the support and resources they need to succeed in the workforce, including job training, job placement services, and financial incentives. People are asking was the Ticket to Work Program terminated? It was not terminated but can expire for individuals within a time period and they would need to reapply.

Are There Limitations to the Trial Work Period?

If you are receiving SSDI benefits in Missouri and are interested in returning to work, it is important to understand the rules and limitations of the TWP, as well as the other programs available to help you succeed in the workforce. You can learn more about the TWP and other work incentive programs by contacting the SSA or visiting their website.

In Missouri specifically, you are typically able to earn any level of income, even if that is above the Substantial Gainful Activity limit. This means if you had a high-paying job prior and you feel ready to return to work, you have up to 9 months to collect income from your job alongside your disability income. If you find in that period that you are not ready to return to work, you aren’t guaranteed to lose your disability income. 

The TWP is not a one-time event; it can be used multiple times throughout an individual’s lifetime. However, there are some limitations to the TWP. For example, individuals can only use the TWP once every five years, and they must report their work activity to the SSA each month during the TWP.

Questions About TWP? Contact The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

If you have questions about the social security disability trial work period and how it may affect your disability income, don’t hesitate to contact KKB Law. Our experienced disability attorneys are ready and available to answer your questions. Call 573-875-5200 to schedule a free evaluation or visit the website.

A very common question people want to know the answer to is: what information is needed to complete an SSDI application? Although the information is available online through the Social Security Administration website, it can still be confusing to figure out exactly what is needed to complete your application or, furthermore, increase the likelihood that your application will be approved. Let’s discuss the ins and outs of what is needed as well as what is not needed for your application, as well as some professional legal tips to increase the possibility of your application being accepted. 

Review Adult Disability Checklist

It is recommended that every applicant review the Adult Disability Checklist provided directly by the U.S. Social Security department. The checklist has a lot of information but can also be confusing for some individuals. We will break down the items needed for your SSDI application along with some insights to the various sections of the application to make it easier to organize the required information. 

Create a My Social Security Account

Before beginning the application, it is recommended to create a My Social Security Account. This can require additional forms of verification to set up, such as your mobile phone to receive texts, an email address for the account, and in some cases, a W-2, tax form, or credit card to aid the verification process. Creating an account allows you to track the status of your application throughout the process.

The Information You Need

1. Date and Place of Birth

Initially, the application intends to validate and confirm your U.S. Citizenship before continuing. This is done through the account creation process, but if you were born outside of the U.S., it is required to provide your birth country and time or your Permanent Resident Card if you are not a U.S. Citizen. 

2. Marriage and Divorce

You are required to provide the name of your current spouse or previous spouse if the marriage lasted over ten years or ended in death. Your spouse’s date of birth and social security numbers are optional but can help further validate your application. Lastly, you need to provide the beginning and ending dates of your current marriage and past marriages, including the dates and city/state/country in which you were married. 

3. Names and Dates of Birth of Children

You will also need to provide the details about your children, including any of your children that became disabled prior to the age of 22, any that are under 18 and are unmarried, or any children aged 18-19 that are in secondary school full time. If you have children over the age of 18 that are not disabled or in school, then their information is not required. 

4. Military Service

If you have served in the military, it is important to also include the type of duty and branch you worked in as well as your service period dates. This can help the Social Security office further evaluate your case. 

5. 3 Years of Employment Details

You will also need to provide your employment details for the current year and two prior years before your application. This needs to include start and end dates, total earnings, and the company and employer name of who you worked for. 

6. Self-Employment Details

If you are self-employed or were self-employed for the current year and 2 years prior, you will need to provide information about the type of business and total net income of your business. 

7. Direct Deposit

You must include your bank routing number, account type, and bank account number to receive your SSDI or SSI payments. This can also go to an international bank, but requires additional info such as the country of the bank, bank name, bank code, and currency type. 

8. Alternate Contact

An additional contact must be provided in order to have someone to contact regarding your medical conditions so they can help you with your claim. This can be your lawyer in the event that you have representation during your application process or are working with a law firm like ours. 

9. List of Medical Conditions

This is one of the most important sections of the application as this is the information that will largely determine your eligibility for social security. It is best to be as thorough as possible in this section. You should include:

  • Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers if applicable, and dates of any examinations or treatments received. 
  • Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who placed the test orders
  • Names of medications, reason for medication, and who they were prescribed by
  • Info about additional medical records like vocational rehabilitation services, workers’ compensation, public welfare, prison medical records, records from an attorney, or any other place that may have additional records about your disability needs. 
  • The date your medical condition began and how it affects your ability to work
  • Types of jobs you have had over the 15 years prior to you becoming unable to work because of your condition
  • Types of duties you had on the longest-standing job from your list
  • Highest grade in school completed and any special education including the dates, school name, city, and state
  • Names of any special job training schools, trade schools, or vocational schools, along with dates of completed course work. 

Although this can be a painstakingly long process to collect all of this information, the more thorough you are with the information provided, the more likely your case is to be accepted. Providing additional information could also affect the amount of Social Security Income you are awarded should your application be accepted. 

Contact a Disability Lawyer for Help with Your SSDI Application 

Working with an attorney experienced in disability law can ensure that your SSDI application is as complete and thorough as possible. Application denials can, in some cases, result in months of waiting for an appeal. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill are ready to assist you today. Contact us today for a free evaluation.

When you’re unable to work due to a medical condition but still need a steady source of income, it may feel hopeless. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits for those with qualifying medical conditions through the SSDI and SSI programs. So, what benefits are available and how do you know if you qualify for disability benefits? 

How Do You Qualify for SSDI?

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits program is available for those who have worked most of their life and paid into the social security system. Under the SSA, you must meet a variety of requirements:

  • The most basic requirement is that you are unable to do the work you used to perform.
  • The SSA also must determine that you are unable to adjust to doing another job
  • You must also have a medical condition that is severe and expected to persist for at least one year or result in death. 

SSA will also determine if you qualify for disability benefits by determining if you are truly disabled. There are five questions they ask, including:

  • Are you currently working? If you earn more than $1,350 on average each month, you may not be considered disabled. 
  • Is your condition severe enough that you are limited in your ability to work for at least 12 months?
  • Is your condition one that is included on the SSA list of disabling conditions?
  • Are you unable to do the same type of work you used to do?
  • If not, is there another type of work you can do? 

Work Credits for SSDI

When the SSA determines whether or not you qualify for disability benefits, they will check your work history to see if you have earned enough work credits. The number of credits you acquired throughout your time in the workforce will vary depending on how much money you earned. In 2022, for each quarter a person earns $1,510 or more, they are given one Social Security or Medicare credit. There is a maximum of four credits given per year for each quarter the earnings requirements are met. While these work credits do play a role in your eligibility, the average of your earnings during your working years will determine how much your monthly benefit payment will be. 

The number of credits needed are as follows:

  • For those younger than age 24, 6 credits earned within a 3 year period are required. 
  • For those age 24-31, you could qualify if you have credits for working at least half of the time between age 21 and the onset of your disability. 
  • For those age 31 and older, at least 20 credits are required and must be earned within a 10-year period prior to the start of your disability.

How Do You Qualify for SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a disability benefit available for those with a limited work history. SSI is a “needs-based program” that is designed to assist those with:

  • a disability that prevents them from having gainful employment
  • a great financial need
  • those who are blind
  • or those over the age of 65

SSI payments are a set amount that may change each year depending on the Cost-of-Living-Adjustments (COLA). 

Medical conditions that qualify for SSI may include:

  • Blindness
  • Cancer
  • Back injury
  • Kidney disease
  • Genitourinary issues
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Digestive tract problems
  • Vision loss
  • Hearing loss
  • Skin disorders
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Immune disorders
  • Neurological disorders
  • Mental disorders
  • Various syndromes
  • Hematological disorders

For more specific information about what conditions qualify for adults and children, you can visit the SSA website. 

Contact the Law Office of Karen Kraus Bill For Assistance

If you think you may qualify for disability benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out to our offices to schedule a free consultation. Applying for disability benefits on your own can be time consuming, intimidating, and may result in a denial of benefits. Your chances of a successful request for benefits, or even an appeal if you’ve been denied before, are greatly increased when you have the help of an experienced disability attorney. Reach out today with any questions you have about qualifying or appealing. Call 573-875-5200 or visit the website.

Strategies for Appealing a Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits

The process of applying for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) can be time-consuming and challenging. Appealing for SSI can be even more difficult and is best done with the assistance of an attorney. If you qualify for SSI, here is how SSI lawyers make the application and appeal process easier for you. 

Free Consultations

Being able to discuss your case with an attorney’s office and talk about your needs for applying or appealing an SSI claim is an important first step. You want to understand if you potentially meet the criteria required to qualify for disability benefits. A free consultation gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you have and get advice on how to best move forward. 

Application Guidance

The SSI application process is lengthy and can be confusing for those who aren’t familiar with the Social Security Administration’s systems and processes. There are risks associated with applying for SSI on your own and if you miss a step or don’t include important information, you may be denied and have to appeal. SSI lawyers know the ins and outs of the SSA as well as the financial parameters that someone must meet to qualify. 

Gathering Documentation

One of the reasons applying for SSI is so challenging is the amount of documentation that is required for a complete application. SSI lawyers know specifically what documents the SSA will need, and they can assist you in including them in the application correctly. They may also request medical source statements from your doctors as additional evidence. The chances of your case being approved decrease when there are missing pieces of information or when incomplete answers are given. Having the help of an attorney in gathering documentation could mean the difference between getting approved or denied. 

Hearing Preparation

If your case is denied at the reconsideration level, you will need to prepare for an SSI hearing. Having an attorney by your side to prepare you and attend the hearing will not only ease your mind, but will increase your chances of approval. It is very important that all evidence is submitted correctly and with enough time before the date of the hearing. An attorney knows how to review the evidence and represent the case. 

During the Hearing

Your SSI lawyer will be with you during your hearing for support as well as cross-examining vocational experts. This can help strengthen your case to help everyone understand your condition fully and present evidence clearly. 

Appeal Guidance 

In the event that you have previously been denied SSI and need to appeal, SSI lawyers are very experienced in the appeal process. Statistics show that you are more likely to have a successful appeal if you are represented by an attorney. They can help you gather the information that may have been missing and help make a strong case for your future approval. 

Get Help Applying or Appealing for SSI with the Law Office of Karen Kraus Bill

The SSI lawyers at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill have filed hundreds of SSI applications and helped many clients appeal if they’ve previously been denied. Throughout the entire process, they communicate with the SSA on your behalf. Please reach out to schedule a free consultation to see how the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill can help.

When many individuals hear the term disability, they immediately think of physical ailments. However, the reality is that a variety of severe mental health conditions exist as well, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Can you receive disability for PTSD? How should you apply? We will go over the process below.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe medical condition that might limit your capacity to work. If this transpires, you may qualify for Social Security disability for PTSD.

Unfortunately, proving that you have PTSD and therefore qualify for Social Security disability may be challenging. Among these symptoms are the following:

Memories that are intrusive: 

Flashbacks, nightmares, and reliving a traumatic incident all have the potential to impair one’s potential to function properly in daily life. If these memories are intense, they might lead you to lose sleep and avoid interaction with the outside world.

Avoidance and numbing of the emotions: 

This group of PTSD symptoms is connected with how you perceive and interact with your environment. For instance, you may make considerable efforts to avoid discussing or even thinking about the triggering incident. Additionally, you may notice difficulties with memory and focus. Personal connections may be challenging, and you may feel pessimistic about the future.

Anxiety or impulsive behavior: 

Additionally, PTSD might impair your emotional reactions to regular events. For example, you may experience unreasonable anger, difficulty sleeping, being easily frightened, or even seeing and hearing things that are not there. You may experience defeat as a result of guilt or regret and may even engage in self-destructive actions.

Any of these symptoms, if severe enough, might constitute a disability. Due to the difficulty in documenting PTSD symptoms, many qualified candidates are refused Social Security disability compensation.

Qualifying For Disability For PTSD

Social Security may determine your disability based on PTSD in two ways. The first step is for you to meet the conditions of Social Security’s new PTSD disability listing. The second option is to apply for a “medical-vocational allowance” by demonstrating that your limitations prohibit you from working full-time.

PTSD was added to the disability listings in 2017 as listing 12.15, Trauma- and stressor-related conditions. To be eligible for the listing, you must have medically documented evidence of the following:

  • Exposure to death or danger of death, significant harm, or violence
  • Subsequent unintentional re-enactment of the tragic incident (for example, intrusive memories, dreams, or flashbacks)
  • Avoidance of outside reminders of the events
  • Disturbances in mood and behavior
  • “Arousal and reactivity” levels rise (for example, exaggerated startle response, sleep disturbance).

In addition to demonstrating the above, you must demonstrate that you have severe or profound limits in particular areas. You must have a severe restriction in one of the following categories or a “marked” (severe) limitation in two of the following:

  • Adjusting or controlling oneself (governing one’s emotions, adapting to changes, possessing practical personal skills such as cooking, cleaning, and dressing appropriately)
  • Conversing with others (in socially appropriate ways)
  • Focusing attention on tasks (being able to finish work at a reasonable pace)
  • Gaining knowledge, comprehending it, and remembering it (including following instructions and applying new knowledge to tasks).

If you don’t presently have any extreme or severe limits in the above areas because you live in a highly protected or monitored environment or are receiving intensive rehabilitation, you may produce specific documents to meet the listing requirements. You must demonstrate:

  • Your PTSD has been severe and chronic for at least two years.
  • You are getting continuing medical treatment or mental health therapy or living in a highly structured or protected environment.
  • Your adaptability is fragile, which means you have a limited capacity to adapt to changes or new demands.

Suppose you do not meet the requirements of the listing. In that case, you may still be eligible for benefits through a medical-vocational allowance, which is a type of approval that takes into account your work history, age, education, and Residual Functional Capacity, or what you can do despite all of your impairments.

Hire A Skilled Disability Attorney

Do you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? If this is the case, contact The Law Offices Of Karen Kraus Bill for assistance in collecting the SSDI payments you deserve. Applying for SSDI benefits is a stressful and challenging process that you should not go through alone. Allow us to help you through the processes and fight hard to get the SSDI benefits you are legally entitled to.

If your Disability for PTSD claim has been denied, our attorneys may also help you in appealing the SSA’s decision. Contact The Law Offices Of Karen Kraus Bill to schedule a free evaluation of your case.

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with schizophrenia? If you have, you are aware that schizophrenia is a serious condition that results in hallucinations, paranoia, speech difficulties, and disordered thought processes.

Numerous antipsychotic medications are successful in the treatment of schizophrenia, but they often have serious adverse effects. Certain people may not respond to the drugs well enough and continue to have symptoms.

Whether your medications are ineffective or your prescriptions keep you from working, it’s important to consider that you may qualify for Social Security disability for schizophrenia.

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder in which the diagnosed person’s mental and emotional processes break down, making it impossible to distinguish reality from delusions. The condition often progresses slowly, taking months or even years to manifest into disabling symptoms. People with schizophrenia sometimes struggle to behave appropriately in social contexts and may also struggle with self-care.

The cause of schizophrenia is unknown. It often manifests itself throughout adolescence but may also manifest during childhood or adulthood. Genetics, environment, infection, or family dysfunction may all play a role in producing the condition. Schizophrenia is classified into four types:

  • Paranoid schizophrenia
  • Disorganized schizophrenia
  • Undifferentiated schizophrenia
  • Catatonic schizophrenia

Residual schizophrenia is a term referring to a condition in which a person has a good handle on most of their symptoms but even so exhibits residual symptoms.

Getting Disability For Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is considered a disability if you fulfill the criteria set out by the Social Security Administration in Listing 12.03, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, of the Listing of Impairments.

Schizophrenia is often diagnosed by psychiatrists and is typically determined using verbal interviews with both the patient and any close family members. The psychiatrist will assess the symptoms mentioned, the person’s behavior since the symptoms were first detected, the person’s medical and family history, as well as the person’s reaction to the medicine given to treat the symptoms.

Although no medical tests may be used to diagnose schizophrenia, a diagnosing psychiatrist may conduct a CT scan to rule out other physical illnesses that may produce comparable symptoms.

Schizophrenia manifests itself in a number of ways. Due to the slower progression of schizophrenia, symptoms may initially be very minor or mirror common conditions such as stress, sleeplessness, or difficulty focusing. 

The condition’s symptoms, such as social disengagement or trouble establishing and retaining friends, are sometimes misdiagnosed as shyness or social ineptness. However, as the illness advances, psychotic symptoms often manifest. These include hallucinations, delusions, flat affect (the appearance of no feeling), catatonic behaviors (social withdrawal), and distorted thinking.

Filing For Disability For Schizophrenia

Under Section 12.03 Schizophrenia, Paranoid, and Other Psychotic Disorders, the Social Security Administration (SSA) covers applications for disability benefits based on a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

To qualify for disability for schizophrenia, a person must establish the following: 

  • Delusions or hallucinations
  • Conduct that is disorganized or catatonic
  • A pattern of irrational or incomprehensible thought 
  • Isolation and disengagement from a social connection on an emotional level

Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate, through medical documentation, that your symptoms significantly impair your ability to perform routine tasks and to obtain and retain gainful work. Suppose your symptoms are not severe enough to need full-time care but are severe enough to prevent you from working. In that case, the SSA specifies a second set of criteria for eligibility for disability for schizophrenia.

While medical records often include symptoms and accompanying limitations, they frequently do not detail how a condition prohibits you from working and may not be adequate to establish disability under SSA guidelines. Due to the complexity of schizophrenia and the difficulty of establishing your inability to maintain gainful employment solely through medical records, it is frequently highly recommended that claimants hire a Social Security Disability attorney to assist them in establishing and presenting their case.

Hire An Experienced Disability Attorney

Applicants with significant mental conditions such as schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders should consider hiring a skilled disability attorney. Not only is schizophrenia a severe illness, but individuals who suffer from this disorder have significant disadvantages when it comes to self-representation, especially given the constraints placed on focus, memory, and logical reasoning.

A disability lawyer may assist the applicant in obtaining relevant medical documents and managing the hearing procedure.

Contact The Law Offices Of Karen Kraus Bill to help you throughout the application process or if you have been denied and want help with your appeal.