Youngstown Personality Disorder Lawyer

You may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits if you have a personality disorder that prevents you from working. However, securing these monthly payments can become complicated as many initial claims get denied and end up in appeal.

If your medical condition entitles you to benefits, our Youngstown personality disorder lawyers can fight for the resources you need to protect your health, financial stability, and peace of mind. Berger and Green has over 40 years of  experience we can put behind your claim. We will file your initial SSD application, help you navigate the appeals process if necessary, and act as your advocate and ally.

Benefits Are Available for Individuals With Personality Disorders

People with personality disorders experience unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving that interfere with daily life, relationships, and work. According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are 10 types of personality disorders, and each affects at least two of the following:

• How you think about yourself or others
• How you respond emotionally
• How you relate to other people
• How you control your behavior

If the symptoms of your personality disorder are severe enough that they prevent you from earning a living, you may qualify for SSD, which is the blanket term for two distinct benefits programs:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is available to individuals “insured” by Social Security employment contributions. You usually must have 20 earned work credits (or five years of work) to become eligible, though older workers may need more credits and younger workers may require fewer.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Individuals with limited resources and income can apply for SSI. You do not need work credits but must meet financial requirements to qualify for this needs-based program.

Some workers with disabilities can receive SSI and SSDI concurrently, but you must apply for each program separately, and they require different applications. Our Ohio SSD lawyers can ensure you file the proper paperwork.

Payment Amounts

The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets the yearly federal SSI rate based on economic indicators, such as the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA). For 2023, the monthly payment amount is $914 per individual. Ohio administers a state SSI supplement.

Your SSDI benefits depend on your earned work credits. In general, the more credits you have, the higher your payment will be. You can estimate your monthly amount using the SSA’s Benefits Calculator.

In addition, other sources of income and benefits you receive will affect your SSDI payments or SSI eligibility, including:

• Unemployment
• Pensions and retirement benefits
• Veterans’ benefits
• Workers’ compensation

If the SSA approves your disability claim, but you disagree with your payment amount, it can be a basis for appeal. Our Youngstown personality disorder lawyers can help you get the benefits due.

Does Your Personality Disorder Meet Disability Requirements?

The SSA lists conditions it considers disabling in the Blue Book. Part 12.08 in the section listing mental disorders outlines the criteria for evaluating personality disorders:

1. You must have medical evidence demonstrating a pervasive pattern of one or more of the following:

• Detachment from social relationships
• Distrust and suspicion of others
• Instability of personal relationships
• Disregard for others’ rights
• Attention-seeking and excessive emotionality
• Feelings of inadequacy
• Preoccupation with orderliness
• Perfectionism
• Excessive need to be taken care of
• Recurrent, impulsive, aggressive behavioral outbursts; and

2. Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following:

• Ability to understand, remember, and apply information
• Ability to interact with others
• Ability to adapt or manage oneself
• Ability to concentrate, persist, or maintain pace

Our attorneys can make sure the SSA has the appropriate information about your health care providers. If your claim was denied for lack of medical evidence, we can help you bolster your appeal with the needed medical documentation.

Does Your Personality Disorder Affect Your Earning Capabilities?

In addition to meeting medical qualifications, you must also show that your personality disorder affects your ability to perform basic work-related activities for at least 12 months. To make this determination, the SSA will review your financial information to see if you are capable of substantial gainful activity (SGA).

The SGA limit for 2023 is $1,470 per month. If you can earn this amount, on average, by performing your current job or another type of work, the SSA will not consider your condition disabling.

You should not wait until your personality disorder affects your earnings for 12 months. You should apply as soon as you know you will be off work for 12 months or longer.

Our Youngstown SSD Lawyers Can Appeal Denied Claims

If you receive an unfavorable initial determination, our Social Security disability lawyers can manage your appeal. We can:

1. Request a reconsideration of the SSA’s initial decision for medical or non-medical reasons. At this stage, we can submit new evidence to support your claim, correct clerical or application errors, or rectify communication errors.
2. Represent you during an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing. During this official proceeding, we can present evidence, question witnesses, and protect your legal rights.
3. Ask for a review of the ALJ’s decision by the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will review the decision made by the ALJ and look for any errors on their part.
4. File a civil action in the U.S. District Court.

Do not wait too long to begin your appeal. You have 60 days from receiving notice of the initial determination to ask for reconsideration. From there, you have 60 days from receiving a decision to enter the next stage of appeal. Our firm can help you get started today.

Berger and Green Can Help With Your SSD Personality Disorder Claim

Call Berger and Green for a risk-free, no-cost consultation. A team member can tell you more about how our Youngstown personality disorder lawyers can fight for your SSDI or SSI benefits. We take cases on contingency, meaning our services cost you nothing up front or out of pocket. Connect with an SSD lawyer near you today.