Know Your Rights: Bipolar Syndrome Is Eligible For SSD

Bipolar syndrome is a serious disorder that can often occur with other mental disorders such as anxiety or schizophrenia.  It often requires medical treatment.  Bipolar syndrome can be so severe that a person cannot work.  In that instance, Social Security Disability (SSD) may be needed.

Receiving SSD is not a guarantee, but it is a possibility that can be considered.  Many attorneys are qualified to assist you with this process.  Most disability attorneys will not charge a fee unless you win benefits.  There are things that you should be prepared to do during the application process.

How Serious is Bipolar Disorder?

Mental disorders such as bipolar syndrome must be medically documented.  In other words, it must be diagnosed by a doctor or a mental health professional.  There must be records kept by the professional that indicates the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.  According to the standards set by the government, the condition must be expected to seriously limit your life experience for at least the next 12 months.  Social Security uses a book called the Blue Book to measure whether or not you will qualify for benefits.  

Getting a statement about your condition from your mental health provider or your doctor can be very helpful.  This statement could talk about how much work you missed during the last year because of your bipolar syndrome.  It could discuss the side effects you experience on a regular basis because of medication.  This letter will be beneficial to the application process.  

What Can I Do For Benefits?

Be prepared for your initial application for benefits to be denied.  Do not let this discourage you.  The majority of people that apply for SSD are denied the first time.  This is why it is important to work with an experienced disability attorney.  An experienced attorney can take care of a lot of the paperwork for you and deal directly with Social Security on your behalf.  Having an attorney working on your behalf will take stress off of you; you will be able to focus on your treatment.  

Waiting isn’t easy.  The initial process can take up to six months to receive a decision.  If you are denied, you can appeal.  The appeals process can be lengthy.  Be prepared to gather documentation, to see doctors, and to attend a hearing.  

During the application process (and of course after the decision), follow your doctor’s instructions.  Take your medication.  If you do not, Social Security can decide that you are non-compliant and deny your claim.  If you cannot afford your medication or therapy, please let someone know.  

Other Information On Bipolar Benefits 

There are other criteria that must be met.  Things that will be looked at include age and work credits.  If enough work credits aren’t available, you may be eligible to apply for SSI.  SSI is a needs based program with its own set of standards of eligibility.  Standards for SSI include the worth of personal assets and monthly income.  

Bipolar syndrome is a lifelong condition, but it is treatable.  If you are unable to work, consider applying for disability to help provide for yourself and your family.  Doing this one act could reduce feelings of worthlessness and anxiety while you are unable to financially contribute.

Robin is a blogger for The McMinn Law Firm, a business and personal injury law firm in Austin, Texas.  She has seen loved ones suffer severely from crippling mental disorders and knows how much help can mean.