Bipolar disorder, which is also called manic depression, affects about 2 million adults over the age of 18. Unfortunately, people who have severe symptoms of manic episodes, depression, or both can find it hard to keep a regular job. In fact, some bipolar people may not be able to work at all.
People with severe bipolar disorder who can't work because of it can get disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here are five questions about disability benefits that people often ask:
#1: How can I show that my bipolar disorder makes me too sick to work?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses certain criteria to decide if a person has a physical or mental disability. First, your disorder must be bad enough that you can't do more than a small amount of work. Second, it needs to be diagnosed by a medical expert, usually a doctor or a psychologist. (One type of doctor is a psychiatrist.) Third, you should expect it to last at least a year.
Also, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is usually based on a number of signs and symptoms that the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at to decide if someone is eligible for disability benefits. These signs could be present in both depressive and manic syndromes. They include:
- Taking part in dangerous activities
- No longer interested in doing things
- Hard to pay attention
- Guilt, worthlessness, or a high sense of self-worth.
- Thoughts of killing oneself
- Loss of appetite and/or trouble sleeping
- Visions, false beliefs, or paranoid thinking
- Too much or not enough energy
- Frequent events that make it hard for you to function normally
Of course, SSA will look at many different things. They will want proof from your doctors and maybe also from your family, friends, or other people who know you.
#2: How likely is it that I'll win?
Unfortunately, at the first level, only about 25-30% of disability claims are approved on average. Why? Most claims are missing important parts of the story. Because of this, most people who get disability help do so with the help of a professional advocate or a specialised source of information and help.
#3: How long is it going to take?
Most first claims are settled in three to four months. Some take more, some less. If your claim has to go through the appeals process, it can take another 6–12 months, or sometimes even longer. This is why it's important to start out with a strong case if you want your claim to go through quickly.
What happens if my claim is turned down?
Don't stop trying! If your first claim is turned down, you can file an appeal and ask for a hearing. (There are two lower levels in some states before the hearing level.) Your best chance to win is at the hearing in front of a judge. But it's not smart to go in without being ready. To convince the judge to give you benefits, you need to make a strong and convincing case. Preparation is key to the success of your claim. This includes keeping good records of your bipolar disorder and how it affects your ability to work.
#5: What are the benefits I'll get?
With disability benefits, you get a monthly check that varies based on the programme you are in. Social Security has two main programmes that help people who are disabled. The SSDI programme is mostly based on how much you've worked in the past. The average monthly check is around $900. The SSI programme is based on how much money someone needs and how much money they have. It helps people who have never had a steady job. Under SSI, everyone gets the same amount, which is about $600 a month at most.
Many people who get benefits do get a back payment, which can be worth many thousands of dollars. This is one reason why it's important to apply as soon as you're eligible.
Other benefits include Medicare and/or Medicaid health and medical benefits, newly created prescription drug benefits, and even continued benefits while you try to go back to work if your situation gets better.
