Bipolar disorder is considered a disability by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Bipolar disorder is a disability that can affect someone's ability to work full-time and to function in their daily life. Because of this, you may be able to get disability benefits if you are experiencing bipolar disorder.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits with Bipolar Disorder
1. Consult a Disability Attorney
When seeking disability benefits for bipolar disorder, consulting a disability attorney can be an important first step.
A disability attorney is experienced in handling Social Security Disability claims and can provide guidance throughout the application process.
They can help you understand the specific criteria that the SSA uses to evaluate bipolar disorder and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
2. Meet SSA Criteria
For the SSA to consider bipolar disorder to be a disability, you will need to work with your doctor in order to meet the medical, work, and financial requirements.
Work Requirements
In order to meet the work requirements to qualify for disability with bipolar disorder, you will have to have earned enough work credits while working.
Work credits are calculated by your age and how long you have worked. Generally, you need 40 credits to get disability benefits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled.
Medical Requirements
Once you meet the work requirements, you will also need to meet the medical requirements outlined by the SSA for bipolar disorder to be considered a disability.
To qualify for SSA with bipolar disorder, your diagnosis and medical evidence to back it up needs to match the SSA’s Blue Book listing for bipolar disorder.
Financial Requirements
In order to get SSI benefits for bipolar disorder, you need to meet the financial requirements outlined by the SSA. Since SSI is a needs-based program, you need to have very little income and resourced.
Information on the financial limitations for SSI is located on the SSA’s website. If you meet both the medical and financial requirements outlined by the SSA, you get disability for bipolar in the form of SSI benefits.
3. Retrieve Documents & Medical Records
Gathering medical records is one of the most important steps when applying for disability benefits.
This includes getting documentation from all doctors who have treated you. Important documents include your diagnosis, treatment history, medication records, and any hospitalizations related to your condition.
Securing statements from your doctors that detail the severity of your bipolar disorder and how it impacts your ability to work can strengthen your application.
Accurate and thorough medical evidence is essential to demonstrate the full extent of your condition to the SSA.
Your disability attorney or advocate will be there to help collect these records and tell you exactly what you need for the best chance of approval.
4. Fill Out & Send Application
Once you have gathered all necessary documents and medical records, it's time to fill out the application for disability benefits.
This includes providing medical records, detailed information about your condition, your work history, and how bipolar disorder affects your ability to perform daily activities and maintain employment.
Be sure to include all relevant medical documentation and answer all questions on the application thoroughly.
You can submit your application online through the SSA's website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Double-checking your application for completeness and accuracy before submission can help prevent delays or denials.
Your disability lawyer will help you fill out your application thoroughly and present your condition in the best way possible to the SSA to give you a high chance of approval.
5. Follow Up
After submitting your application, you’ll want to follow up with the SSA to track the status of your claim.
You can see the status of your application online, by calling the SSA directly, or at your local Social Security office.
Regular follow-ups ensure that you are aware of any additional documentation requests or required actions.
Your lawyer will be proactive during this phase and can help prevent unnecessary delays to keep your claim moving forward.
If the SSA requests additional information or schedules a consultative exam, respond quickly to maintain the success of your application.
6. Appeals Process
Your initial application for disability benefits may be denied and that's okay. Many claims are denied at first but later approved on appeal.
The appeals process typically involves several stages: reconsideration, an ALJ hearing, and possibly further appeals.
During this process, a disability attorney can help you submit new evidence, prepare for hearings, and present a compelling case to the judge.
Persistence is key, and with the right support, you can be successful in the appeals process and secure the benefits you need.
FAQs for Bipolar Disorder
What are the chances of getting a disability for bipolar disorder?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), applicants trying to get disability for bipolar have approximately a ⅔ chance of getting approved for disability benefits.
In other words, the chances of getting disability for bipolar is 2 out of every 3 bipolar disability applicants.
How much money do you get For bipolar disability?
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may be awarded disability benefits.
Currently, the maximum benefit payment amount that someone with bipolar disorder can be awarded in 2024 is $3,882 per month.
But it can be difficult to get awarded the maximum benefit. The average Social Security disability benefit is usually around $1,500.
That’s because there are other factors that determine the amount of benefit you are awarded. Some other factors come into play like family contribution, other income, and more. These can influence the amount of the benefit that you receive.
How can I increase my chances of getting benefits with bipolar?
While getting approved for disability is difficult, there are some ways to improve your chances of getting approved, including:
Continue medical treatment: Ongoing visits with your therapist and physiatrist are crucial to your claim. Regularly seeing your team of doctors will show the SSA that you are serious about managing your bipolar disorder. Similarly, you should continue any medications or other treatment plans.
Maintain your medical records: Medical evidence is an extremely important part of your disability claim. Ask your doctors to keep any notes from your meetings. Keep track of any past treatment plans, including ones that did not work. If you had to visit a hospital, gather any records from that visit. The more evidence you can get, the better the chance is that you may be approved for disability benefits with bipolar.
Speak with an attorney: Working with a disability can greatly improve the chance of getting approved for benefits. They can help you gather the correct evidence, file any appeal on time, and even represent you if you need to go to court. In fact, it was found that those working with an attorney may be 3 times more likely to get approved for disability benefits.
How long does it take to receive a decision on my disability claim for bipolar disorder?
The initial decision process typically takes 3 to 6 months, but it can take longer if additional documentation is needed or if you need to go through the appeals process.
