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Nebraska • Mental Health
If you have schizophrenia in Nebraska, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, plus state programs for support and services. Eligibility depends on your medical condition, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply and what help is available.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for schizophrenia, you must prove your condition is severe enough to stop you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how schizophrenia affects your ability to do basic work tasks like understanding, remembering, concentrating, and interacting with others. Your disability must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and assets must be below certain limits. Even if schizophrenia isn’t listed in the SSA’s official guide, you can still qualify if you show it’s just as severe as a listed condition.
In Nebraska, people with schizophrenia may qualify for state programs that help with daily living and independence. The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program offers up to $400 per month for authorized services if you have a severe, chronic disability diagnosed by a doctor. This can include help with housing, transportation, or personal care. To qualify, your schizophrenia must be medically documented and seriously limit your activities. Nebraska also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide extra support for people with schizophrenia who want to live independently.
Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor or mental health provider. These should detail your schizophrenia diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, and how it limits your ability to work or do daily tasks.
Step 2: Review federal eligibility for SSI or SSDI. For SSDI, check your work credits. For SSI, check income and asset limits.
Step 3: Contact Nebraska Total Care or Centauri Health Solutions for free help applying. They can guide you through the process and answer questions.
Step 4: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at the SSA website, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Be ready to provide personal, medical, and financial information.
Step 5: If approved, you may also qualify for state programs like DPFS. Apply through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Step 6: Report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
Step 7: Explore Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra help with health and money.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits if you have a qualifying disability and enough work credits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with low income and assets who are disabled, blind, or over 65.
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those with schizophrenia.
Medicare: Health coverage for people with long-term disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS): Up to $400 per month for services like housing, transportation, or personal care for people with severe, chronic disabilities like schizophrenia.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Extra support for people with schizophrenia who want to live independently, including home care, respite, and supported employment.
Nebraska Total Care: Medicaid managed care for people with disabilities, including help applying for SSI/SSDI.
Centauri Health Solutions: Free help applying for SSI/SSDI and other benefits.
An ABLE account lets people with schizophrenia in Nebraska save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, or personal support. Nebraska’s ABLE program is called NE ABLE. You can open an account online and contribute up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit).
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and may affect eligibility. State programs like DPFS have their own income and asset rules.
If your income, assets, or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to SSA for SSI/SSDI and to Nebraska DHHS for state programs. Keep records of all reports and communications.
Nebraska Total Care and Centauri Health Solutions offer free help applying for SSI, SSDI, and state disability programs. Call 1-866-879-0988 (TTY: 711) for support.
Yes, schizophrenia is a qualifying mental health condition for SSI and SSDI in Nebraska. You must show it severely limits your ability to work and lasts at least 12 months. State programs like DPFS may also offer extra support.
You need medical records from a doctor or mental health provider showing your diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, and how it limits your daily life and ability to work. The SSA will review this evidence.
In 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $967 per month for an individual. SSDI has no strict income limit, but earning more than $1,620 per month may affect eligibility.
Yes, work incentives let you try working without losing benefits. The SSA allows a Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. Earnings over $1,620 per month may affect your benefits.
Nebraska offers DPFS for up to $400 per month for services like housing or personal care. Medicaid waivers provide extra support for independent living. Nebraska Total Care helps with Medicaid and SSI/SSDI applications.
Gather medical records, check eligibility, and apply online or in person for SSI/SSDI. Contact Nebraska Total Care or Centauri Health Solutions for help. Apply for state programs like DPFS through Nebraska DHHS.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
An ABLE account lets people with schizophrenia save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Nebraska’s NE ABLE program lets you contribute up to $18,000 per year for qualified disability expenses.
Yes, report changes in income, assets, or living situation to SSA and Nebraska DHHS to avoid overpayments. Keep records of all reports and communications.
Yes, children with schizophrenia may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe and limits their activities. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits on a parent’s record.
If denied, you can appeal the decision. Ask for a reconsideration, then a hearing if needed. Get help from a disability advocate or attorney. Nebraska Total Care and Centauri Health Solutions can assist.
