Johnstown Mental Illness Disability Lawyer

When a mental or psychological condition makes it impossible to work and support yourself, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefits — Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). At Berger and Green, our Johnstown mental illness disability attorneys are here to help you navigate both programs, apply for benefits, appeal any denials, and answer every question along the way. Contact us today to speak with a Social Security disability attorney.

Is Your Mental Illness Eligible for Disability Benefits?

A diagnosis of a psychological disorder alone is not sufficient to be awarded benefits. Your condition must either be one of those covered in Section 12.00 of the SSA’s Blue Book or match them in severity and impact. Mental illnesses that qualify for disability include:

• Extreme anxiety, panic, or obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Psychotic disorders like paranoia and schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorders
• Neurocognitive disorders
• Personality and impulse control conditions

If your condition is not listed but is quite severe, you may still be eligible for benefits is you are unable to work of a minimum of 12 months.

The SSA’s Evaluation Criteria for Mental Disorders

The SSA evaluates all mental illness-related disability applications by asking five questions. These are:

• Are you limited from engaging in substantial gainful activity due to a mental condition?
• Have you struggled or will you be prevented from carrying out regular work or daily activities because of your illness for a minimum of 12 months; or will it result in death?
• Is your mental disorder found in the Blue Book, or does it match similar conditions?
• Does your mental impairment prevent you from engaging in your previous work?
• Does the ailment prevent you from doing any type of work?

The SSA’s and Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD) offices will determine if your answers match their requirements for approving disability applications.

How to Get Your Mental Health Disability Application Approved

Before a mental illness SSD application is granted, you have to demonstrate a marked or extreme limitation of your ability to work or engage in regular activities due to the ailment.

Your medical records should show that shows your mental illness has prevented, or will prevent, you from working for at least one year. The Social Security Administration will review medical documentation, i doctors’ contact information, psychological evaluations, prescribed medications, and details of therapy sessions.

In the application for SSDI and SSI benefits you will need to  provide past  employment information and income records. You will also need to  provide all necessary personal identification, including your birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship, or documentation highlighting your alien status.

When it comes to applying for mental health disability benefits in Johnstown, our lawyers can explain which information helps your case with the SSA and BDD. Do not wait to be denied before providing information and documentation that you already have.