Youngstown
Mental Illness Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. SSD Helps People with Disability Mental Conditions
2. How Our Mental Illness Disability Team Helps Youngstown Applicants
3. Let Our Youngstown Disability Team Help Determine Your Eligibility
4. Let the Youngstown Disability Team Help You Seek Essential SSD Benefits

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

January 01, 2025

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you’re struggling to make ends meet because of a mental health condition, we know how overwhelming this journey can feel. At Berger and Green, we understand the unique challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help. For more than 40 years, our team has supported people just like you, fighting for the Social Security Disability benefits they need to rebuild their lives. 

Our Youngstown mental illness disability lawyers are committed to listening to your story, understanding your needs, and guiding you every step of the way. With our knowledge and experience, we work tirelessly to secure the benefits you deserve so you can focus on your health and well-being. 

Mental health challenges are already hard enough, so let our Youngstown Social Security Disability lawyers handle the complexities of your case. Call us for a free consultation and let us show you how we can make a difference.

SSD Helps People with Disability Mental Conditions

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two federal programs that provide support for individuals with disabilities, including those with mental illnesses. While both programs offer financial assistance, they have different eligibility requirements and benefits.

• SSDI is available to people who have a qualifying work history, either through their own past employment or a family member’s, such as a parent or spouse. To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits. For those with mental health conditions that prevent them from maintaining substantial work, SSDI can provide a monthly income, helping cover essential living expenses.
• On the other hand, SSI is a need-based program designed for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI may be a good option for those who don’t qualify for SSDI but still require financial assistance due to a disabling mental health condition.

Both programs aim to offer financial stability, allowing Youngstown individuals to focus on managing their health. Berger and Green can guide you through applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, ensuring you access the support you deserve.

What Mental Illnesses Qualify for Disability Benefits in Youngstown?

Many mental health conditions can severely impact a person’s ability to work, making them eligible for disability benefits. Here are some examples of mental health conditions that may qualify for SSDI or SSI:

• Depression: Persistent depressive symptoms can cause overwhelming fatigue, loss of motivation, and difficulty concentrating, making it hard to maintain consistent employment.
• Anxiety Disorders: Conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety can interfere with daily functioning due to constant worry, panic attacks, or difficulty interacting with others.
• Bipolar Disorder: This condition can lead to extreme mood swings, with periods of high energy and impulsivity followed by deep depression, making it challenging to maintain a stable work routine.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Trauma-related symptoms, including flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness, can disrupt personal and professional life.
• Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders: Conditions involving hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking often impair judgment and communication, making traditional employment very difficult.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): This condition can cause intense emotional instability, impulsivity, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. People with BPD may struggle to maintain consistent work due to unpredictable mood changes and challenges in interacting with others in a professional setting. A Youngstown personality disorder disability lawyer can help you seek benefits for BPD and other personality disorders that disrupt your life.

Chapter 12.00 of the SSA’s Blue Book offers additional information on mental health conditions and types that might be covered by disability benefits. If you aren’t sure if your condition is eligible, or if you meet the program requirements, Berger and Green can help you determine if your condition qualifies for benefits and guide you through the application process.

How Our Mental Illness Disability Team Helps Youngstown Applicants

At Berger and Green, our Youngstown mental illness disability lawyers bring valuable support and guidance to each step of the disability benefits process. Navigating a claim for mental illness disability benefits can be overwhelming, with multiple stages that each present unique challenges. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and is dedicated to helping you secure the benefits you deserve.

From the beginning, we assist with the initial application, ensuring that your claim is accurately completed and that all necessary information is included to give your case the best chance of approval. If your claim is denied, we don’t stop there. Our Youngstown Social Security Disability appeals lawyers will support you through the appeal process, guiding you in meeting deadlines and filing your request for reconsideration.

Throughout the appeal process and at your Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, our attorneys stand by you, offering representation and helping present your case in the strongest possible light. With extensive experience in disability law, Berger and Green’s team is committed to advocating for your rights at every stage, so you can focus on what matters most—your health.

Let Our Youngstown Disability Team Help Determine Your Eligibility

Proving eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits involves meeting specific requirements based on the type of benefits you’re applying for. Berger and Green can help you navigate these requirements and build a compelling case for your claim.

SSDI Eligibility for Mental Illness Patients

For SSDI, eligibility is based on your work history. To qualify, you must have earned enough “work credits,” which are accumulated through years of employment and contributions to Social Security taxes. Your age typically determines how many credits you need before you can apply, but most people must have a minimum of 20 credits to apply.

Additionally, you must demonstrate that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) for at least 12 months. Berger and Green can help you compile the necessary documentation to show your work history and assist in gathering medical records to support the disabling nature of your condition.

Eligibility for SSI When You Have a Mental Illness

For SSI, eligibility is determined by financial need rather than work history. You must have limited income and assets to qualify, along with a medically proven disabling condition. Our team reviews if you qualify for SSI based on your income and assets.  We gather medical evidence proving the impact of your disability.

Let the Youngstown Disability Team Help You Seek Essential SSD Benefits

If you’re facing the challenges of a mental illness, cannot work, and need disability benefits, Berger and Green is the firm for you. Our team understands the impact of mental health conditions on daily life, and we are committed to helping you secure the benefits you need to support your well-being. 

Let a trusted Youngstown mental illness disability lawyer from our firm represent you now. Call us today for a free consultation.