Bipolar disorder is a serious condition affecting a person’s mental health by producing alternating manic and depressive periods. The condition can be severe enough to prevent you from working, which could make you eligible for bipolar disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
If a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, has diagnosed your condition as bipolar disorder, you should speak with a bipolar disability benefits lawyer at Disability Partners, PLLC. Our experienced and knowledgeable disability lawyers can assist you with the application process or, if you received a notice from the SSA of a denial of benefits or other adverse action on your claim, we could represent you in the appeal process to challenge the adverse determination.
Bipolar disorder was formerly known as manic-depressive disorder. It is associated with extreme mood swings alternating between mania and depression. Symptoms experienced during the high mood swings known as mania include:
The highs of the manic period are followed by periods of depression that include:
A diagnosis of bipolar disorder relies not only on the observations made by mental health professionals during a clinical evaluation of the patient, but it also depends upon statements and reports received from relatives, friends and other people who observe the person outside of a clinical setting.
To qualify for bipolar disability benefits through SSI or SSDI, you need a diagnosis, but you also need a treatment plan from the mental health professional who is in charge of your care. You will not be approved for disability benefits based on a bipolar disability unless you are following the treatment plan, including taking medications and participating in therapy prescribed for you.
One method to qualify for bipolar disability benefits is by meeting the criteria of section 12.04 of the Listing of Impairments used by the Social Security Administration to determine if a physical or mental impairment is severe enough to cause a disability as defined under federal regulations. Medical records must prove that you meet the listing criteria.
If you do not meet the listing criteria for bipolar disorder, a bipolar disability benefits lawyer may suggest that you keep a detailed daily diary to document how your mental health condition interferes with day-to-day activities. This can be used as evidence to prove that bipolar disorder causes a limitation in residual mental functioning preventing you from working.
A consultation with a bipolar disability benefits lawyer at Disability Partners, PLLC, can provide you with advice, guidance, and representation for applying for SSI or SSDI benefits. If you have been denied benefits, we can challenge the determination through the disability appeal process.