Bipolar disorder can be a challenge to live with. The severe mood swings it causes make it more difficult to learn, work and live a normal life. The Social Security Administration does recognize the severity of this condition and offers financial benefits to those who struggle with it.
Not everyone with bipolar disorder qualifies for benefits, but those who are unable to work may. You may be able to benefit from either Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income, depending on how long you have worked. SSI is intended specifically to help those who are disabled and does not have the same strict work requirements as Social Security Disability.
To qualify for assistance with bipolar disorder, you should show that you have at least a two-year history of the condition and that you receive treatment. You should be able to show the symptoms you suffer from that are specific to bipolar disorder. You should submit any helpful documents you can to the Social Security Administration. That means including medical documents and therapy records. If you’ve been hospitalized, include those documents in your application. If your doctor or specialists will provide a statement, this can help the SSA understand the severity of your case of bipolar disorder.
It typically takes a month or longer to receive a decision from the Social Security Administration. Many applications are denied on the first try, because they are missing important documents or are incomplete. If that happens, your attorney can help you appeal the decision within 60 days of the denial. Our website has more on the steps to take after a denial.