OBTAINING SSDI FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Admin • Oct 04, 2017

If bipolar disorder prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security benefits. For more information call us at Green Disability Law.

Dealing with bipolar disorder can be very challenging for an individual, especially when trying to hold down a job. Bipolar disorder is a depressive state that causes periods of manic behavior, rapid speech, and can have an overall negative effect on one's ability to function normally during all periods of the day.

Bipolar disorder is considered a condition that may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). To qualify for these benefits, you cannot simply provide a doctor's diagnosis stating you have the condition. Instead, you will have to provide different forms of evidence to show that you are not able to work due because of the disorder.

The evidence that will show that you are unable to work will you may consist of various elements. The following is a list of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, some pieces of evidence that can be considered, along with some helpful information that may help increase your odds of getting an approval.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will often provide benefits for your disorder if you have the symptoms they have predetermined as the symptoms that qualify you for Social Security benefits. The administration will take note of your symptoms, along with your medical records, testing and evaluations to determine if you qualify.

Some of the symptoms that can prohibit your ability to work include speaking faster than normal, increased changes in thoughts or ideas and being easily distracted. Other symptoms of bipolar disorder include the inability to sleep, being intentionally involved in risky activities, having a falsely increased self-esteem and being easily agitated. If these symptoms affect your day-to-day life, or your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security benefits.

You will need to demonstrate that you are unable to do certain things and that your limitation is due to your disorder. For instance, you will need to show that you are unable to manage your day-to-day needs.

This can include not being able to finish tasks, the inability to understand instructions, the inability to interact with others socially or the inability to take care of yourself.

You can still qualify for benefits if you have been cared for by others, whether in a facility or through a structured environment created for you. You will have to show that you do not have the ability to adapt to any changes around you that are not already in your environment.

Time of Diagnosis

One consideration the administrators take into account is how long you have been suffering from bipolar disorder. You must have been unable to work consistently at a regular job for a specific period of time, which will be determined by the SSA.

If you are unable to hold down a job due to your bipolar disorder, you will need to show a pattern that demonstrates that your symptoms have prevented you from supporting yourself. If you earn more than $1,040 a month, you may be disqualified from Social Security disability benefits.

Your medical records can show varying levels of your illness and how you have either progressed or regressed. This record can help your case, so make sure your doctor frequently takes notes on your condition.

Even if your doctor believes you are improving, you can explain to the judge that you have good and bad days with the disorder. You will need to note how often the bad days are, one ideal way to keep track is keeping a daily journal where you can write your feelings from day to day. The longer you can keep the journal the better.

If you need assistance in getting SSDI benefits due to your bipolar disorder, contact the professional attorneys at Green Disability Law.

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