How Much Do I Get For Bipolar Disability
How much you can get as disability benefits if you have bipolar disability is essential information for you. Even though you clearly will not want your illness to deteriorate to a level where you need social security benefits to survive, this knowledge is essential.
People diagnosed with bipolar disorder may find it hard to hold down jobs. So the law steps in to protect them and ensure that they lead comfortable lives. The Social Security Administration has strict rules as to what qualifies as a disability. This article will explain whether bipolar disorder is a disability and how much social security income you can get for it.
Here Are Some Tips On How To Get Social Security Disability Benefits For Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a long-term disruptive psychiatric condition that causes an individual to have intense mood swings. A person with bipolar can abruptly go from a state of depression to a state of euphoria or mania. This can make it difficult for a person with bipolar disorder to maintain employment, even with consistent medical treatment.
Your Anxiety Disorder Disability Case
If you are disabled because of an Anxiety Disorder that prevents you from working, you may well be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. Although total disability based on an Anxiety Disorder can be difficult to prove due to the subjective nature of diagnosis, working closely with medical professionals and a qualified Social Security disability attorney or advocate to collect and present the appropriate documentation to support your disability claim can help to ensure that you present the strongest possible disability case.
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Medical Opinions About Your Depression Or Bipolar Disorder
You will need a statement from your treating doctor or a psychologist regarding the severity of your depression. For example, your doctor might give an opinion that you would miss several days of work each month due to your depression. Make sure the doctor provides an explanation for this opinion.
Continue to see your doctor or therapist during the waiting process for benefits so that you can amass a long treatment history in your medical records. The SSA cannot easily deny the opinion of a therapist who has consistently found you to have a severe mental disorder and who has clinical signs supporting this opinion. If you cannot afford to see a doctor or therapist on a regular basis, the SSA may send you to a consultative examination with a psychologist. For more information, see Nolo’s article on getting a doctor’s report for disability.
What Programs Are Out There
The Canadian government provides people with bipolar disorder, or other physical/mental disabilities, disability benefits designed to offset the financial and emotional burden a disability can put on a family. Disability benefits for bipolar can come in the form of the Canadian Disability Tax Credit created for families to maintain their standard of living.
However, almost half of the Canadians who qualify for the DTC or bipolar disability dont submit a claim.
Why?
Most differently-abled Canadians find the Disability Tax Credit application process tedious, cumbersome, and complex. On top of their diagnosis, its simply too much work to be bothered with.
And thats where we come in.
The National Benefit Authority was created as an easy-to-access, go-to resource people can turn to for assistance with the Canadian Disability Tax Credit.
No need to stress over determining your Disability Tax Credit eligibility. Dont feel alone navigating through your Disability Tax Credit application . The NBA will assist with the research, the application forms, and anything in between to successfully recover your DTC. Our in-house team specializes in the DTC, and follows up directly with the Canadian Revenue Agency, meaning fast and timely submittals and approvals.
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Filing For Social Security Disability Or Ssi With Bipolar Disorder
First, a bit about the conditionBipolar disorderFiling for disability with Bipolar disorderSGA a disability islisting 12.04 Affective Disorders, section A 3requirements criteria
- Sleep disturbance
- Paranoid thinking
- Involvement in activities that are likely to cause painful consequences without realizing it
a significant restriction of daily activities or severe difficulties maintaining social functioning or repeated instances of decompensation that last for extended periods of time or significant difficulties with persistence, concentration, or pace
- Repeated decompensation episodes of extended duration
- A residual disease process that has resulted in such marginal adjustment that even a small change in environment or increase in mental demands could be predicted to cause the person to decompensate, or a current one year or more history of a failure to function outside of a very supportive living environment with a projected continued need for the supportive living arrangement
impairment listing 12.04 A3, B, or CMost popular topics on SSDRC.com
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What Does Being Bipolar Mean
Bipolar symptoms are usually associated with dramatic highs and lows involving mood. A patient can swing from normal, sometimes even happy behavior, to a state of full-on manic depression. Typically, symptoms of bipolar disorder can be observed in patients starting in their late teens and into their early twenties.There are 3 basic categories of bipolar disorder. Some of these classifications overlap in some areas but are for the most part distinctive.
- Bipolar Type 1The most severe form. Intense manic depression and psychosis
- Bipolar Type 2Strong bouts of depression mixed with hypomania
- Bipolar Type 3called cyclothymics, alternate between mild depression and hypomania
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Ssdi For Bipolar Disorder
On Behalf of Midwest Disability, P.A. | Dec 29, 2021 | Social Security Disability
While some people can manage the symptoms of their mental illnesses, others find the weight of living with mental health issues to be debilitating. Bipolar disorder can be especially difficult to live with. Whether you recently received your diagnosis or have lived with bipolar disorder for many years, you need help if it is impacting your ability to work.
Although many people in Minnesota associate Social Security Disability Insurance benefits with physical disabilities, they are also available to people with mental health issues. The Social Security Administration SSA acknowledges bipolar disorder as one of several mental illnesses that may interfere with peoples ability to work. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are curious about SSDI benefits for bipolar disorder.
Your Rights Under The Ada
Many people with bipolar disorder are able to maintain a job. Bipolar disorder is one of the many conditions covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act . This law is designed to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in hiring, job assignments, promotions, pay, firing, benefits, layoffs, and all other employment-related activities.
The ADA only applies to businesses with 15 or more employees.
People with bipolar disorder may want to consider that when looking for employment or considering changing jobs.
Your spouse is also protected by the ADA. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission states that “The Act also makes it unlawful to discriminate against an applicant or employee, whether disabled or not, because of the individual’s family, business, social or other relationship or association with an individual with a disability.” For example, if your husband has bipolar disorder, you are protected if he requires emergency hospitalization and you must be away from work without warning because of this. The ADA is administered by the EEOC.
Other employees may not understand the rights a person with bipolar disorder has under the ADA. Often people think of disability only as physical impairment. Everyone should learn how the law applies so they know why accommodations may be required.
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How Much Are Bipolar Disability Benefits Worth
If you meet the requirements for bipolar disability as stated above, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income . The process of applying for bipolar disability benefits can be very stressful however, it is rewarding.
Disability payments under the above can be sufficient to cover your medical and other bills. It can also meet daily needs, such as food and living utilities. To make the process easier, it would help if you briefed and enlisted the help of a social security attorney.
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Bipolar Disorder As A Disability Under Ssa
When it comes to living with a disability, Social Security provides both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income .
If youve received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, the SSA has a 5-step evaluation process to determine if you qualify for benefits.
Youll be asked:
- Are you currently working? As of 2021, earning an average monthly income of more than $1,310 often prevents you from collecting disability.
- Is your condition severe? This means that for a period of at least 12 months, bipolar disorder prevented you from performing basic work tasks such as lifting, sitting, walking, or standing.
- Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions? Yes, bipolar disorder is included in the list.
- Can you do work youve done previously? SSA will assess your residual functional capacity , or how your condition has affected your work abilities.
- Can you do any other type of work? Being unable to work one type of job doesnt always exclude you from other forms of employment.
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How To Qualify For Social Security Benefits With Bipolar Disorder
If you meet the general requirements noted above, its time to review the specific medical requirements that apply to claimants with bipolar disorder.
When the SSAs medical examiners evaluate disability claimants, they use a technical guide called the Listing of Impairments. The Listing of Impairments outlines condition-specific criteria which applicants must meet or equal in order to be considered severely disabled. The entry for bipolar disorder can be found in Section 12.00 , under subsection 12.04 .
For affective disorders like bipolar disorder, there are three blocks of requirements labeled A, B, and C. To qualify, you need to either:
- Meet requirements contained under both A and B.
- Meet requirements contained under C.
The requirements under A include:
- Persistent, medically documented depressive syndrome. Symptoms might include persistent loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, trouble sleeping, changes in weight and appetite, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
- Manic syndrome. Symptoms might include hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia.
- Bipolar syndrome with a history of episodic periods including both manic and depressive syndromes.
These three A requirements must result in at least two of the following B requirements:
If you dont qualify based on the combined A and B requirements above, you might qualify based on C requirements instead. To qualify under C, you must:
Va Disability Rating For General Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder is associated with traumatic experiences and other harrowing life events. The disorder is common among Veterans who were involved in combat.
GAD is characterized by excessive, persistent worrying that is hard to control. A Veteran with anxiety might worry a great deal about little things , about larger issues such as work, money or health, and/or about things that are out of their hands, such as national and international events.
Veterans with generalized anxiety are sometimes told that they worry too much and may even describe themselves as worry warts. Both are improper responses. GAD is a recognized disability and a Veteran who is preoccupied with anxious feelings should receive medical help through the VA or a private provider. If your GAD disability claim has been denied, the VA disability appeal attorneys at Berry Law Firm can help you file an appeal and pursue the full benefits that you have earned through your service to our country.
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Social Security Disability For Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a psychotic mental disorder that can be significantly impairing. If you are being treated for bipolar disorder, but are still so greatly affected by the symptoms that you cannot work, then you might be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.
There are strict requirements and an in-depth application process you will need to adhere to in order to establish benefits, though. To learn about the steps, evidence, and requirements necessary for getting Social Security disability for a bipolar disorder in Raleigh, call Lunn & Forro, PLLC today: .
Symptoms Of Depression Include:
- Increased activity generally, especially goal-directed activity
- Increased reckless behavior such as gambling, spending sprees, social behaviors
Bipolar II is more common than Bipolar I. Like Bipolar I, it is often first diagnosed in young people. However, unlike Bipolar I, individuals with Bipolar II never experience manic episodes. Instead, they experience periods of major depression along with periods of hypomania. Unlike mania, the symptoms of hypomania are not severe enough to cause severe impairments in social and occupational functioning. However, this does not mean that individuals with Bipolar II cannot qualify for disability benefits.
Bipolar disorder is included in the Social Security Listings of Impairments, which means that if your illness has been diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner and is severe enough to keep you from working, you are eligible to receive disability benefits. However, because there are no medical tests for these mental illnesses, it is vital that you see a psychologist or psychiatrist who can support your application.
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Meeting Listing 1204 For Bipolar Disorder
12.04 Depressive, bipolar and related disorders , satisfied by A and B, or A and C:
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
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Disability Benefits Program Options
You will most likely be applying for one of two main disability programs offered by the Social Security Administration: Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income .
SSDI is for disabled workers and who have paid Social Security taxes from their paychecks. You will asked for a job history when you apply, which will show that you have worked for long enough to qualify for SSDI. This makes SSDI more suited for working adults. http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/ssdi/qualify-for-ssdi
SSI is another benefit program similar to SSDI, but is intended specifically for elderly and disabled individuals. Instead of a job history, you will be asked to demonstrate that you meet the SSAs strict financial limits. This makes children good candidates for SSI, since they will not have had much experience working. In the case of applications for children, the Social Security Administration will ask a parent to submit part of their finances for evaluation as well.
Receiving Disability For Bi
Oct 11, 2012 | Social Security SSD/SSI |
Getting disability due to mental limitations such as bipolar disorder.
There are many possible symptoms of bipolar disorder that can affect a persons ability to work. In a manic episode the individual may experience over confidence, racing thoughts, increased energy, irritability, sleeplessness, inability to concentrate, denial of condition, drug abuse, bad judgment, euphoria, or aggressive behavior. In a depressive episode symptoms may include hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, sleep difficulties, helplessness, guilt, difficulty with memory, difficulty with concentration, irritability, physical symptoms of pain, overly sad, weight gain or loss, and decreased energy.
Thankfully, bipolar disorder is recognized by the Social Security Administration as a legitimate basis for the payment of disability benefits. If you are a claimant who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder symptoms, there are two primary theories for receiving benefits.
The primary theory for those suffering from bipolar is to argue that your condition is so severe that it meets the listing as defined by the Social Security Administration in Listing 12.04. To qualify this way you will need supporting documents in the form of a written declaration attesting to the fact that you experience specific systems that result in difficulties with your mental functioning.
To qualify under the listing, the following requirements must be met:
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Bipolar Disorder And Your Social Security Disability Case
Because Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder, it can be hard to prove the severity of the condition in terms of medical documentation. Because of this, getting approved for Social Security Disability benefits may be difficult. The SSA only approves about 30 percent of the initial applications received each year. If your claim for Social Security Disability benefits is one of the 70 percent that is denied during the initial stage of the application process, you will need to file an appeal in order to receive the disability benefits you need.
If you are looking to file for disability benefits or have already been denied, it may be in your best interests to consult with a Social Security Disability attorney before doing so. A qualified attorney can review your claim for Social Security Disability benefits and may help you gather any additional documentation needed to prove your disability case. He or she will also be able to represent you during the hearing stage of the appeal process. Statistics show that applicants who have legal representation at the hearing stage of the Social Security Disability appeals process are more likely to be awarded disability benefits.