| Bipolar disorder (also known as manic
| |
| | most successful disability applicants
|
| depression) affects an estimated 2
| |
| | seek some kind of help, either from a
|
| million people over the age of 18.
| |
| | professional advocate or specialized
|
| Unfortunately, severe symptoms associated
| |
| | information and help source.#3: How long
|
| with either manic episodes, depression
| |
| | will it take?Most initial claims are
|
| (or both) can cause difficulties in
| |
| | decided in 3-4 months. Some take more,
|
| holding down a regular job. In fact,
| |
| | some less. If your claim has to go
|
| working may become impossible for some
| |
| | through the appeals process, it can take
|
| bipolars.The Social Security
| |
| | another 6-12 months -- occasionally, even
|
| Administration (SSA) has disability
| |
| | longer. This is why it is important to
|
| benefit programs in place for those with
| |
| | present a strong case from the very
|
| severe bipolar who are unable to work due
| |
| | beginning, to expedite the success of
|
| to the disorder. These are five
| |
| | your claim.#4: What if my claim is
|
| commonly-asked questions about disability
| |
| | denied?Don't give up! If your initial
|
| benefits:#1: How can I prove I'm disabled
| |
| | claim is denied, you have the opportunity
|
| by my bipolar disorder?SSA has certain
| |
| | to appeal and request a hearing. (Some
|
| criteria they use to establish any kind
| |
| | states have two lower levels prior to the
|
| of disability, whether related to
| |
| | hearing level.) The hearing before a
|
| physical or mental disorders. First, your
| |
| | judge is really your best chance to win.
|
| disorder must be severe enough to keep
| |
| | However, it is not smart to go in
|
| you from working more than just a minimal
| |
| | unprepared. You need to present a strong
|
| amount. Second, it must be diagnosed by a
| |
| | and convincing case to sway the judge
|
| medical professional, typically a
| |
| | enough to award you benefits.
|
| physician or psychologist. (A
| |
| | Preparation, including good documentation
|
| psychiatrist is a type of physician.)
| |
| | of your bipolar condition and its effect
|
| Third, it must be expected to last at
| |
| | on your ability to work, is essential to
|
| least 12 months.Additionally, a diagnosis
| |
| | your claim's success.#5: What kind of
|
| of bipolar disorder commonly involves a
| |
| | benefits will I receive?Disability
|
| number of signs and symptoms that SSA
| |
| | benefits include monthly checks which
|
| looks at when determining whether someone
| |
| | vary, depending upon the program you fall
|
| qualifies for disability benefits. These
| |
| | under. There are two main disability
|
| symptoms could be present in either
| |
| | programs under Social Security. The SSDI
|
| depressive or manic syndromes, and
| |
| | program is based primarily on your work
|
| include things such as:* Appetite and/or
| |
| | history; monthly checks average around
|
| sleep disturbance
| |
| | $900. The SSI program is based on
|
| * Hyperactivity or a lack of energy
| |
| | financial need and resources; it helps
|
| * Difficulty concentrating
| |
| | those without a steady work history.
|
| * Involvement in high-risk activities
| |
| | Everyone gets the same amount under SSI -
|
| * Loss of interest in activities
| |
| | around $600/month maximum.Of course, many
|
| * Feelings of guilt or worthlessness or
| |
| | benefit winners receive a back benefit
|
| inflated self-esteem
| |
| | check which can be many thousands of
|
| * Hallucinations, delusions or paranoid
| |
| | dollars; this is one reason why it is
|
| thinking
| |
| | important to apply as soon as you become
|
| * Thoughts of suicide
| |
| | eligible.Other benefits include health
|
| * Repeated episodes that affect your
| |
| | and medical benefits (Medicare and/or
|
| ability to function normallyOf
| |
| | Medicaid), newly-established prescription
|
| course, there are many factors that SSA
| |
| | drug benefits, and even continued
|
| will look at. They will want
| |
| | benefits while trying to go back to work,
|
| documentation from your health providers
| |
| | if your situation improves.Dr. Nickerson
|
| and possibly your family, friends or
| |
| | has developed the ultimate resource to
|
| others who know you.#2: What are my
| |
| | help those with bipolar disorder win
|
| chances of winning?Unfortunately, the
| |
| | Social Security disability benefits --
|
| average approval rating for disability
| |
| | without hiring an expensive lawyer or
|
| claims at the initial level is only about
| |
| | paid representative. Get the full story
|
| 25-30%. Why? Most claims lack significant
| |
| | at now!
|
| pieces of information. For this reason,
| |
| |
|