• It’s not unusual to apply more than once before qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits.
• To apply, you’ll need documentation about your medical condition and symptoms of schizophrenia, along with how they affect your activities of daily living.
• State and local community resources may offer benefits for people living with schizophrenia.

If you have schizophrenia spectrum disorder and are unable to work, you’re far from alone. According to a 2022 study in the journal BMC Psychiatry, up to 90 percent of people with schizophrenia in the U.S. are not employed. Disability benefits can help cover living expenses when working isn’t an option.

Some people living with schizophrenia are employed in jobs they’ve found to be a good fit. Others request workplace accommodations that help them maintain their jobs. However, many more find that working isn’t an option for them. If that’s your situation and you’d like to apply for disability insurance, here’s what you need to know.

The Process of Making Your Disability Case

The Americans With Disabilities Act defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” The Social Security Administration (SSA) acknowledges that schizophrenia is a mental disorder that may support eligibility for disability benefits.

To evaluate your case, the SSA will need medical documentation detailing your diagnosis and medical history. These medical records should include key information in the following areas:

• Test results
• Symptoms
• Past hospitalizations
• Medications and their side effects
• Other medical treatments (including therapy)

The Social Security Administration acknowledges that schizophrenia is a mental disorder that may make people eligible for disability benefits.

Any coexisting mental health conditions should also be noted in your disability application. Relevant information from family members, neighbors, case managers, and other third-party sources, like work or job training programs, is also required.

Proving your need for disability benefits isn’t easy. One MyDepressionTeam member shared, “I applied for food assistance and medical stuff, and of course, they want you to provide info that you have to literally hunt down! Basically, I had to go to Narnia and back, but I have most of it now.”

It takes time and effort to communicate with the person responsible for determining your case. You may need to provide additional information and answer questions as they process your application. A disability attorney or case worker can help make the process less overwhelming.

Different Types of Social Security Benefits

In the United States, government assistance for schizophrenia may be obtained through the two most common types of long-term disability benefits — Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Supplemental Security Income provides basic financial support to people with limited or no income who are at least 65 or of any age with blindness or a disability. If you qualify for SSI, you usually automatically qualify for Medicaid (no-cost government health insurance) in most states.

Social Security Disability Insurance is designed for people with disabilities who have worked in the past. This program provides a higher monthly amount based on previous income. Although Medicare is usually reserved for older adults, qualifying for SSDI can automatically qualify you for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period.

Adults with disabilities can apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone (800-772-1213), or in person at their local Social Security office. It usually takes three to five months from the time you apply for SSI or SSDI before you hear back about the final decision.

Steps You Can Take if Your Benefits Get Denied

It’s possible that your application for schizophrenia disability may be denied. Getting a denial can be frustrating, especially after doing all the work to apply. Fortunately, you don’t have to start from scratch if your disability claim is denied.

A disability attorney or case worker can help make the process of applying for disability less overwhelming.

You have the right to appeal, or question, the Social Security Administration. You can file an appeal online, in person, or by mail. If you plan to submit an appeal, don’t wait — you generally need to do it within 60 days. You can request more time, but you need to provide a good reason for an extension and make the request in writing.

You can appoint a lawyer or representative to help you with the appeal process. The Social Security Administration can connect you with someone who is qualified to help. Sometimes these individuals charge a fee, but you should be able to get a free consultation to learn more.

Additional Benefit Programs To Consider

SSI and SSDI may not cover all your expenses. Applying for extra help with the cost of food and housing can make it easier for people with schizophrenia to live independently.

Members of MyDepressionTeam have shared tips for finding assistance with healthcare costs and medication. “Many states have state pharmaceutical assistance programs that help people pay for prescriptions based on financial need. Check with your state health insurance assistance program,” suggested one member.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded benefit administered by states for people with disabilities and limited income. You’ll need to contact your local state agency to apply. If approved, you can use SNAP benefits to buy food. You’ll get a debit card with funds you can spend on groceries.

Adults with low income and chronic mental illness may also be eligible for housing assistance from the government.

Adults with low income and chronic mental illness may also be eligible for housing assistance from the government. The Section 811 program works with developers to build affordable housing and offers rental assistance for those who qualify. These programs are intended for people with very low income levels and a disability.

The Benefit Finder tool can help you find other benefit programs you may be eligible for. In addition to federal and state government agencies, several nonprofit groups, religious organizations, and community programs are available. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can help connect you with support and resources in your community. For more information, call the NAMI HelpLine at 800-950-6264 or email them at info@nami.org.

Stories From MyDepressionTeam Members

Members of MyDepressionTeam have shared stories of applying for disability with conditions like depression and schizophrenia. Many report applying more than once before qualifying to receive benefits.

One member described the process as being “like a full-time job when I could hardly function.” They said, “After over a year, I finally was approved for my disability benefits. It is a long, hard process, but necessary to care for ourselves. I reached out to a therapist who helped me hold myself together to get through the process. I finally learned to use the resources that were available to me.”

Although you can apply on your own, it’s important to have support throughout the process. Ask your psychiatrist to connect you with a disability lawyer, social worker, or community resource for help submitting your application.

Find Your Team

MyDepressionTeam is the social network for people with depression and other related mental health disorders. On MyDepressionTeam, more than 150,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with depression or schizophrenia.

Do you have experience completing a disability application for social security benefits? If so, what was the application process like for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.