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