How Much Does Disability Pay For Bipolar

Consult With Crest Ssd Today

If you have questions about disability requirements, monthly benefits, or the application process for a bipolar disorder, contact Crest SSD today.

It is helpful to seek the counsel of a disability representative that understands how the process works and can help you with your claim. We have years of experience and many satisfied disability applications.Contact us at the number above or fill out this free evaluation form to find the support you need applying for disability benefits!

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What Are My Rights Under The Ada/social Security

The ADA prevents people who are disabled from being discriminated against at work. Your company cant cancel a job offer or fire you because you have bipolar disorder.

You must be able to do the basic tasks your job requires, but you can ask for accommodations. Accommodations are changes to your schedule or responsibilities that make your job easier to do.

Examples of accommodations for people with bipolar disorder are:

• a flexible schedule
• extra breaks during the day
• a desk organizer or planner
• noise cancelling headphones
• job coaching
• a support animal

Under the ADA, you also have a right to privacy. You dont have to tell your employer that you have bipolar disorder unless you want to share that information.

You can get Social Security disability benefits if your bipolar disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working or if it limits your ability to do your job.

Whether you can work depends on how severe your bipolar disorder is, and how much your symptoms affect your daily life.

Symptoms like mood swings, irritability, and trouble concentrating can make it harder to do many jobs.

In general, people with bipolar disorder have a harder time working than those who dont. Between never go back to work full time after their symptoms start.

It may be harder for you to work if you have:

• severe bipolar disorder
• frequent episodes of mania and/or depression
• constant low-level depression
• psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions

What Is Considered Appropriate Treatment For Bipolar Disorder

When evaluating your bipolar disorder long term disability claim, the insurance company will want to see youre receiving appropriate treatment. Even if your claim is approved, they will still require proof of ongoing treatment for your condition. The insurance company can easily use non-compliance and lack of appropriate care as a reason to deny or terminate your bipolar disorder long term disability claim.

To demonstrate appropriate treatment, your treatment team should include specialists such as a psychiatrist and/or psychologist.  Treatment options may include:

Again, it is important to follow your doctors recommendation.  Your insurance company will want to see you are in treatment and doing everything in your power to improve your symptoms.

Qualifying For Disability Based On Reduced Functional Capacity

If you don’t qualify under the SSA’s requirements for bipolar disorder, above, the SSA must next consider to what extent your bipolar symptoms impair your ability to work . The SSA will give you a rating of the type of work it thinks you can do . This is called your mental residual functional capacity .

If the SSA finds that you cannot perform even unskilled work , the SSA might grant you benefits under a “medical-vocational allowance.” But if you didn’t meet the official listing above, it’s likely the SSA will find that you can do at least unskilled work. And since there are so many unskilled jobs in our economy, it’s unlikely that you’ll be granted disability benefits unless you are 55 or older and have no more than an elementary school education. For these reasons, most claimants applying for disability benefits for bipolar disorder either qualify under the official listing above or they don’t qualify at all. However, if you have a physical impairment in addition to bipolar disorder, your physical RFC combined with your mental RFC can rule out so many unskilled jobs that there aren’t any left you can do.

Ssdi And Bipolar Disorder

If you are suffering from Bipolar Disorder, you know how debilitating this condition can be. So do we. We understand that when you are dealing with this condition, completing forms, obtaining medical records, and figuring out all the steps to receiving Social Security Disability can be difficult, if not impossible. Thats why at Disability Advocates Group we take all the work out of applying for Social Security Disability benefits.

We will help you at every stage of the process.

If you need an attorney who is experienced in representing clients seeking SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE or SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME benefits, contact Disability Advocates Group today at 935-3170, or online to schedule a free initial consultation.

Medical Evidence Required For Disability Based On Bipolar Disorder

At the SSA’s request, your treating doctor should submit to the SSA your psychiatric medical record showing the entire history of your bipolar disorder, including documentation of any severe or violent manic episodes. Your psychiatric record should include all treatments attempted, including any mood-stabilizing medications that you’ve tried, such as lithium, carbamazepine, or valproic acid, what your current prescribed therapy is, and whether you regularly comply with the prescribed therapy . Your medical record should also include the efficacy and side effects of each medication, and how their side effects, along with your symptoms, affect your daily activities, your functioning, and your ability to hold a job.

If there is evidence in your medical file that your doctor suspects your use of alcohol or drugs compounds your emotional problems, this can affect your claim. Learn more in our article on how alcoholism and drug dependence affect disability claims.

Medication Compliance & Bipolar Disorder

The Social Security Administration requires that all applicants are medication compliant. This means that the applicant is using or has attempted to use all treatments offer by his or her treating doctor. If an applicant is not using prescribed medications, the SSA will deny the case because they assume the medication could potentially control and improve their conditions symptoms. Although there is an exception, if an applicant attempts to use the medication but stopped taking them because of bad side effects, he or she will be considered medication compliant since they attempted to treat their condition. 

Disability Benefits For Veterans

You may be eligible for disability benefits if you’re on disability from your service in the Canadian Armed Forces or Merchant Navy.

You may get social assistance payments from:

• your province or territory
• your First Nation

These payments will depend on your household income, savings and investments.

• medications
• medical aids or devices

How Social Security Disability Insurance Covers Mental Illness

Social Security disability insurance can cover you if private disability insurance does not. However, itâs not a replacement for long-term disability insurance if you are eligible for the latter, as SSDI only offers a limited benefit amount and may be very difficult and time-consuming to qualify for. Rejections and appeals can take years to resolve.

In order to qualify for SSDI, you donât need to pay anything, but you do need to show that your mental illness is severe enough that you canât work and likely wonât be able to work for at least 12 months. That means that, while there technically arenât any exclusions or limitations, you do need to meet a strict definition of disability that many sufferers of mental illness may find difficult to prove.

Does Bipolar Disorder Qualify Me For Social Security Benefits

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be extreme enough to prevent an individual from working. If this is the case for you, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression. There are two main types of bipolar disorder, Bipolar I and Bipolar II, and each may have slightly different criteria for diagnosis.

Bipolar I is characterized by distinct periods of mania and depression, though some individuals will also experience symptoms of hypomania, a state of mania where symptoms are milder. In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar I, manic symptoms must last at least one week and occur for most of the day every day or result in hospitalization. Approximately 30% of individuals diagnosed with Bipolar I experience severe symptoms.

Bipolar I is most commonly diagnosed around age 18. Individuals with Bipolar I are often diagnosed with additional mental health conditions, such as anxiety. In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar I, individuals must also experience a period of significant depression.

Va Rating For Bipolar Disorder: Reach Out To A Dedicated Attorney

Getting you the benefits you deserve is what our firm is all about — all day, every day. Because of our extensive, hands-on knowledge of how the VA functions, and which factors will help your cause the most, we can put together the strongest possible case for increasing your disability rating. Furthermore, we can present your case in a way the VA will understand and respect.

For a free consultation with an experienced VA disability lawyer, contact the Veterans Law Group. We represent veterans anywhere in the United States.

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• We represent cases at all levels on appeal
• Well obtain additional medical opinion evidence, when needed
• Well arrange for Vocational Rehab experts to assist, when needed
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Seeking Legal Counsel For Bipolar Disability Benefits

If youre interested in seeking Social Security Disability for bipolar disorder, it can be challenging to get your application approved. In fact, about two-thirds of all SSDI applications are denied the first time around. About 85% are denied when submitted for reconsideration. Put your interests and future first with the team at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC. Weve served clients inYork,Lancaster,Hanover,Harrisburg,Carlisle, and throughout Pennsylvania for nearly 100 years. Our unparalleled experience andproven results make our firm a clear choice for your bipolar disorder disability claim.

Lets talk about the ways we can help you. Call today for your free, confidential consultation.

Applying For Disability Benefits With A Mental Illness

Mental and psychological disabilities are among the conditions that can qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration . You may qualify with severe depression, bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, or another mental illness that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment.

Social Security disability benefits can cover everyday living expenses, medical bills, and other financial obligations. Benefits are paid monthly and can alleviate many of your financial worries, making it possible for you to get by without income from employment.

Medical Records From Your Doctor

When determining whether your bipolar disorder is disabling, your insurance company will likely also want the opinions of your treating doctor. Your doctors support is key. Your doctors reports should focus on:

• The frequency and severity of your symptoms;
• Any positive mental status exam findings;
• Their direct observations of you during office visits; and

The specific restrictions and limitations that prevent you from working. 

How Does The Process Work

You receive a Ticket in the mail. You take this Ticket to any Employment Network or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency , and if you both agree to work together, the EN or VR will help you with job training, finding employers, information about work incentives, materials to send to prospective employers, and other tasks that will help you go to work. Participating in the Ticket to Work program means that youre protected from a Continuing Disability Review based on your potential ability to work.

Benefits For Disabled Adults

• Supplemental Security Income

SSDI is available to disabled adult workers who have paid Social Security taxes, while SSI is a need-based program only available to applicants that meet strict limitations on income and asset holdings. If you have never worked due to your mental illness, you will not qualify for SSDI. If you have financial support from friends or family, you will not qualify for SSI.

The Importance Of Getting Treatment For Depression

The SSA will review your medical records to determine if you have been prescribed any medication for your depression or bipolar disorder and whether this medication effectively controls your symptoms. If you have never been given medication, the SSA might consider your condition to be mild and not disabling.

In addition, if your doctor has recommended therapy or medication for your condition and you chose not to follow the doctor’s advice, the SSA might find you in “noncompliance.” You can be denied disability benefits for not complying with your doctor’s treatment recommendations. However, a good reason for not following a doctor’s recommendation is if you are financially unable to pay for therapy sessions. For more information, see Nolo’s article on being denied benefits for failing to follow treatment.

Assistance In A Community Living Bc Residence

For payments issued for the May 2021 benefit month:

• If you are living in a Community Living BC funded residence, you may get up to $1,358.42 per month in disability assistance
• From your $1,358.42, you pay your Community Living BC service provider $716.13 per month for your basic living costs
• This leaves you with up to $642.29 for personal expenses

Work With A Disability Benefits Attorney

Like depression, a heart condition, or any type of physical disability, bipolar disorder is an impairment that may prevent a person from engaging in work. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. A Philadelphia disability benefits attorney can help you gather evidence and file an application, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Based in Philadelphia, Bross & Frankel has offices in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey to best serve our clients. Since 1995, we have represented individuals with disabilities in their quest to obtain benefits. To learn more or to schedule a free claim review, contact our office today at 795-8880, or reach out online.

Speak with an experienced disability lawyer about your claim today.

• Social Security Disability / SSI Claims
• Veterans Disability Compensation & Pension
• Long Term Disability Claims / ERISA Benefits
• Workers Compensation Claims

Bipolar Disorder And Your Ability To Perform Physical Work

While bipolar disorder does not directly affect your ability to walk, sit, lift, pull, or otherwise perform physical labor, the Social Security Disability system does recognize that it can adversely affect your ability to work at repetitive tasks or to work with other people or with the general public on an ongoing basis. To determine whether your bipolar makes it impossible for you to perform physical work , the SSA will look at the severity of your symptoms. It is critical that your doctor and/or mental health professional clearly lists all of the activities that you cannot reasonably be expected to perform.

What Bipolar Disorder Factors Qualify You For Ssdi

Any individuals with bipolar disorder can be eligible for disability benefits if their illness is constant and restricts their capacities. However, the SSA has established that an applicant with bipolar disorder must show they have the symptoms and limitations listed in the official disability listing for bipolar disorder.

Furthermore, an applicants bipolar disorder should have at least three or more of the following symptoms:

• Tendency to speak rapidly or frenziedly
• Flight of ideas
• Involvement in activities with a high probability of painful consequences that are not recognized
• Psychomotor agitation or increase in goal-directed activity

You must also present medical documentation that you have limitations that prevent you from working. This must include either an extreme limitation in one of the following areas or a severe limitation in two or more of the following areas of mental functioning:

• Understanding, remembering, or applying information
• Interacting with others with appropriate behavior
• Concentrating and being able to finish tasks
• Adapting to change or managing oneself

Do you not meet the criteria listed above? The SSA may still approve your claim if you satisfy other criteria, as listed below.

Contact Our Attorneys For Help With Your Ssdi Claim Today

When your bipolar disorder prevents you from working, SSDI benefits may be the only thing that helps you keep a roof over your head and provide for your family.  Dont risk having your application rejected. We can help you identify the weak points in your application, get the medical records to fix them, and maximize your chances of getting benefits. 

Understanding Your Unique Symptoms

When filing your long term disability claim, the insurance company will want to know about your bipolar disorder symptoms. They must understand how your symptoms are disabling to you and your career.  Remember, bipolar disorder presents differently in different people. Each person will have a different cycling pattern, and the pattern may change unexpectedly.  It is not fair to broadly categorize people with bipolar disorder because it is a unique condition that affects different people differently.  To fairly evaluate your bipolar disorder long term disability claim, the insurance company must understand how your condition personally affects your functioning.

Applying For Ssdi: Bipolar Disorder Symptoms And Treatments

The symptoms of bipolar disorder are typically extreme shifts in an individuals mood. One day, for example, a person might feel the happiest they have ever been, become very hyperactive, have severe racing thoughts, or participate in seriously risky behavior. Weeks or even days later, their mood might dramatically shift to feelings of despair, hopelessness, severe depression and irritability.

For people with bipolar II disorder, fully manic episodes are absent, but hypomanic episodes occur . Many people with bipolar II disorder are capable of being very productive and successful during hypomanic episodes.

Treatment for bipolar disorder will vary based on the type of bipolar you are diagnosed with, such as Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, or Cyclothymic, as they are described by the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

It is believed that bipolar disorder is genetic or genetically triggered when paired with environmental factors. Treatments are different for each person. Most treatment plans include psychotherapy and prescribed medication . Both treatments are typically thought to be useful in reducing the severity of bipolar symptoms and in the prevention of relapse.

Disability Benefits From State Government

From January 2021, the Department of Paid Family Medical leave offers a cash benefit to Massachusetts employees who need to take paid leave for medical or family reasons. Find out more at Paid Family and Medical Leave .

Some employers offer short- or long-term disability insurance as a benefit to their employees. You should check with your human resources department to find out whether your employer offers this benefit and if you have previously enrolled in it. If you have private disability insurance through your employer, or that you’ve bought individually, typically it will require you to apply for any public benefits available. In conversations about disability insurance, if people are referring to “disability,” they often mean PFML. 

The Department of Transitional Assistance provides cash benefits to people with very low income and assets. If you are unable to work for at least 60 days due to a disabling condition, you may be eligible for one of their programs. 

Starting A Disability Claim

You can call the SSA at 800-772-1213 to set up an appointment to fill out an application for SSDI or SSI disability benefits, or you can apply online if you’re filing for SSDI benefits only or if you’re applying for SSI and have never applied for SSI in the past and have never been married. When you fill out your disability application, include a detailed description of how your bipolar disorder affects your daily life, your social functioning, and your ability to make decisions, focus, remember information, and complete tasks quickly, and how often you have manic episodes and/or symptoms of depression. If you have both bipolar disorder and a physical impairment that makes it impossible for you to work, consider hiring a disability lawyer to help you file your Social Security claim, or if your initial claim gets denied, to file an appeal with the SSA.

What Is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by unusual shifts in mood, energy and activity levels. People who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder often have varying abilities to carry out daily tasks. Bipolar disorder involves clear changes in mood, from manic, highly energized periods to more depressed, sad times.

There are four primary types of bipolar disorder. They include:

1. Bipolar I Disorder:  the most severe type of bipolar disorder, this type includes manic episodes that last for at least seven days or that are so severe that they require hospitalization. Depressive episodes usually last for at least two weeks.

2. Bipolar II Disorder:  this type has both depressive and manic episodes, but with less extreme manic periods.

3. Cyclothymic Disorder: also known as cyclothymia, this type involves numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms for at least two years.

4. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders: this type involves bipolar symptoms that do not meet the criteria for one of the other diagnoses.

Signs and symptoms of a manic bipolar disorder episode include: 

• Feel very up, high, or elated
• Have a lot of energy
• Have increased activity levels
• Eat too much or too little
• Feel tired or slowed down
• Think about death or suicide

Bipolar disorder affects people in different ways. While medication and psychotherapy can help to control the symptoms of bipolar disorder, it may not completely eliminate them.

Consideration Of Your Residual Functional Capacity

If the SSA says you don’t meet the disability listing, the SSA will consider what you can do. It does this by writing up your mental residual functional capacity . An MRFC is a description of what tasks you can do in a work setting; it explains your communication skills, your ability to relate to others, your ability to speak to the public, and whether you can be reliable in showing up to work.

For instance, say you have bipolar disorder and there is evidence in your medical records that you have moderate impairment in your social functioning caused by mood swings and you have a moderate level of difficulty with concentration. Your RFC might look like the following: you have no limitations in walking/standing/sitting, you are unable to work with the public, and you are limited to simple 1-2 step instructions. This RFC would prevent you from working in many occupations, but you still would not be found disabled since there are simple unskilled jobs that do not require working with the public. Read more about how the SSA makes this decision in our article on how the SSA evaluates an RFC for disability.

Veterans With Bipolar Disorder Disability

Veterans suffering from disabling mental disorders that occurred in or were aggravated during service may obtain disability compensation. Bipolar disorder is considered a disability by the VA. Its listed in their Schedule for Rating Disabilities under Mental Disorders, and specifically under Mood Disorders.

The VA rates disabilities according to loss of function and the effect on your ability to work and earn a living. The VA schedule doesnt cover all forms of mental illnesses, despite how disabling the condition may be. An incorrect diagnosis could result in denial of benefits you would otherwise be entitled to receive for bipolar disorder.