Can You Receive Disability Benefits For Bipolar Disorder
Slowly but surely, the stigma around mental illness is being erased. People are more willing to talk about their mental health, which has made it easier and more acceptable for individuals to seek treatment for mental illness.
Despite the many advances in medication and therapy, in some cases, mental health conditions are still disabling. This is sometimes the situation with bipolar disorder. For individuals with this condition, it may be difficult to impossible to hold down a job while managing the symptoms of their illness and receiving treatment. This can be particularly true if you experience periods of remission and relapse, or good days and bad days.
Bipolar disorder affects an estimated 4.4% of American adults at some point in their lives. The majority of people with bipolar disorder are seriously impaired by their condition which may affect their ability to work. As with other mental health conditions, people with bipolar disorder may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration considers bipolar disorder as one of many mental illnesses that may qualify for benefits. A skilled disability attorney can work with individuals with bipolar disorder to analyze their individual situation and put together a strong application.
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.
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Bipolar Disorder And Functional Ability
The predictors and mechanisms of disability in BD are still only partially known. Numerous demographic, clinical, and neurocognitive factors are associated with disability . Acute illness episodes strongly affect functioning, with the exception of hypomania . A major problem in BD is the recurrent nature of the illness, which involves multiple episodes over time. Even though most patients reach syndromal remission after an acute episode, almost all will also have at least one new episode in the following years . Besides the disrupting impact of multiple episodes, the length of time with symptoms is an often-overlooked factor that affects functional outcomes. Patients with BD-I or -II have been found to spend half of their time with symptoms in long term . Most of the symptomatic time involves subsyndromal depressive symptoms, but even modest changes in the severity of depression appear to be associated with changes in functional impairment and disability .
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent comorbid diagnoses among BD patients. At least half of BD patients will suffer an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, and a third will manifest an anxiety disorder at any point of time . Anxiety commonly covaries with depression , but according to a recent meta-analysis, as much as 35% of euthymic BD patients have an anxiety disorder .
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Medications And Side Effects
As you probably already know, medication is one of the most effective treatments for bipolar. The most common types of medication used to treat the disorder are mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and antidepressants.
However, there is no single medication, or dose that will work for everyone. So, you will have to work closely with a specialist to find what drug or combination of medications works best for you. This means you must try all the recommended medications even if you fear the side effects.
If youre not taking the appropriate medication for your condition, insurance companies will think your symptoms arent serious enough to qualify for disability benefits. Its common for doctors to prescribe multiple medications and different dosages to find the right treatment. So, if you have a bad reaction to one medication, you cant refuse the troubleshooting that follows. You have to try all other options or try changing your dosage.
If you have a bad reaction to your medications, your medical records must report that in detail. And, if your doctor recommended against a medication, you need to have it documented that the side effects were worse than the condition. Again, you run the risk of denial if you stray too far from standard treatments without a good reason.
When Is Bipolar Disorder A Disability
Mack burned some bridges, figuratively, before he found out he had bipolar disorder. His behavior during his manic phases alienated friends and employers. When he was depressed, he found himself completely unable to leave his house for any reason, even to go to work. After being diagnosed, Mack started on medication and therapy designed to help him function and support himself. However, when is bipolar disorder a disability that qualifies for disability benefits? Mack could certainly use some financial support.
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Basic Eligibility For Benefits
The SSA must see that you meet basic eligibility requirements before further reviewing your application for benefits. This basic eligibility includes having:
- A formal diagnosis of a potentially disabling condition
- A diagnosed condition that will disable you for 12 months of longer
After the SSA confirms that you meet basic eligibility, they will then move on to review your medical condition in detail and verify that you meet all program requirements for SSDI and/or SSI.
How To Apply To The Disability Tax Credit For My Child With Diabetes
As with adults, applying for a child for the Disability Tax Credit for diabetes comes down to the amount of time it takes to maintain the disease and its overall effect on the childs ADLs.
However, if you are applying for the DTC for a child with diabetes, the time you and the child spent doing and supervising activities related to tending to their diabetes will both count towards the 14 plus hours a week required to make them eligible due to life-sustaining therapy.
Activities counted as supervising a child with Type 1 diabetes that can be as the 14 hours per week requirement include:
- Waking the child at night to test their blood glucose level
- Checking the child to decide if more blood glucose testing is needed
- Any other supervisory activities be considered necessary to adjust the dosage of insulin
An eligible child may receive one or both of the following refunds:
- Federal Tax Refund If the impaired childs parent or caregiver has paid into Federal income taxes, they will receive the same amount an adult claimant would.
- Child Disability Benefits If the parent or caregiver has not paid into Federal income tax, they will only receive the Child Disability Benefits.
To learn more about the Child Disability Tax Credit, check out our in-depth guide.
August 24, 2019 By Bross & Frankel
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Provincial Income Support Benefits For Bipolar
Each province in Canada pays income support benefits to people who cant work because of a disability. If you are eligible, you can receive fixed payments for life.
You can qualify for provincial benefits even if youve never worked. However, they only apply if your total family income falls below a certain amount. That amount differs from province to province. Family income doesnt affect the approval process for other types of disability benefits, however.
You apply for provincial disability benefits through your provincial agency or program. As usual, your doctor will need to provide a report or certificate that confirms you cant work because of your condition.
If denied, you can appeal internally within the agency or program. In some provinces, you can also appeal to an outside tribunal for a final decision. Check the income support program in your province for the proper procedures.
Impairments That Qualify For Bipolar Disorder Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration has established that a claimant with Bipolar Disorder must have a history of consistent symptomatic manic episodes, depressive syndromes, or a combination of both. Additionally, the claimants bipolar disorder should result in two of the following restrictions:
- severe limitation of daily activity,
- inability to interact with others in a normal way, or
- recurring episodes of decompensation, which last for an extended period of time.
If a claimant does not meet the aforementioned criteria, he/she may still qualify under a section in the Blue Book, which states that any individual with a medical history documenting at least two years of any chronic affective disorder, including Bipolar Disorder, can be granted disability benefits, despite the support of medication, if the impairment or ailment has resulted in:
- limitations of the capacity to perform basic work action, even when symptoms are controlled with psychosocial support and medication.
- the claimants condition must lead to persistent decompensation periods, or
- the residual illness process has caused a subsidiary adjustment that even a nominal boost in mental demands would cause the claimant to decompensate.
Because applying for disability benefits with a Bipolar Disorder diagnosis can be a complex and intimidating process, hiring a qualified Social Security Disability lawyer or disability advocate may be in a potential claimants best interest.
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Can You Get Ssdi For Bipolar Disorder
A person with bipolar disorder may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Learn more or schedule a consultation with a California disability benefits attorney.
Bipolar disorder is considered a qualifying disorder for SSDI Bipolar disorder is considered a qualifying disorder for SSDIWhen thinking about Social Security Disability benefits , many people first consider physical disabilities. Yet millions of Americans have mental health conditions that limit their ability to work such as bipolar disorder. Although bipolar disorder is relatively rare, the majority of people with this condition report that they are seriously disabled. 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 types of bipolar disorder:Bipolar I 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.
There Are Four Types Of Bipolar Disorder:
Bipolar disorder affects people in different ways. Although medication and psychotherapy can help to control the symptoms of bipolar disorder, it may not completely eliminate them.
As a California disability benefits attorney can explain, the Social Security Administration maintains a listing of impairments that includes both medical and mental health conditions that are considered severe enough to prevent an individual from working. Bipolar disorder is listed in the SSAs listing of impairments.
To qualify for SSDI benefits with bipolar disorder, you must submit the following evidence:
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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.
Disability Benefits For Bipolar Mood Disorder
There are several disability benefits available for people with bipolar mood disorder in Canada. You might be eligible for disability benefits from the government, your employer, or your insurer.
This list covers the possible options for bipolar disability benefits in Canada:
- Employment Insurance sickness benefits
- Short-term disability insurance
- Disability tax credit
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How Long Does It Take To Get Disability For Bipolar Disorder
The short answer is the Social Security Administration can take from 2 to 5 years to approve your claim for Social Security Disability even when your condition is severe. The long answer is the SSA can be very complex and that there is a lot of confusion about how long it takes to get disability for mental illness. Disability for bipolar disorder is a broad term as each person with bipolar disorder has a different type of the illness..
Can Someone With Bipolar Disorder Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits
Yes, depending on the severity and other factors, Social Security disability benefits may be awarded to someone who is disabled due to Bipolar Disorder.
Known more commonly in the past as Manic Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder is a psychiatric illness characterized by periods of extreme euphoria followed by bouts of severe depression. Bipolar Disorder is considered a category of several mood disorders that affects 5.7 million American adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The Disorder normally manifests itself between childhood and late adolescence.
Signs of the depressive phase of this mental illness include persistent feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, anger, guilt, sadness, isolation, fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation, chronic pain, morbid suicidal ideation, self-loathing and depersonalization. In severe cases individuals can become psychotic.
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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
Can You Qualify For Disability Insurance Benefits Based On Bipolar Disorder
If your bipolar disorder is interfering with your ability to perform your job or report to work on a regular basis, you may qualify for disability insurance benefits. Although every policy defines disability differently, most short and long-term disability policies initially define disability as the inability to perform the material duties of your occupation due to a psychiatric and/or medical condition. After a period of typically 12, 24, or 36 months, the definition of disability often changes, and the insurance company/plan administrator will be considering whether your condition prevents you from performing the material duties of any other occupation for which you are reasonably qualified.
Common symptoms of bipolar disorder that can impact your ability to maintain employment include mania, depression, anxiety, paranoia, fatigue, energy loss, sleeplessness, insomnia, decreased motivation, anhedonia, agoraphobia, unpredictable mood swings, erratic behavior, psychosis, weight or appetite changes, hallucinations or delusions, impaired social functioning, disrupted speech, reckless behaviors, violent tendencies, racing thoughts, and mental confusion or distractibility. If you are seeking disability insurance benefits for bipolar disorder, it is also important that you maintain and comply with your recommended treatment regimen.
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Types Of Bipolar Disorder
The insurance company may also want to know what type of Bipolar Disorder you suffer from. Health experts classify bipolar disorder into four types:
- Bipolar Affective Disorder 1: This type is diagnosed when you have had at least one manic episode, which could be followed or preceded by a major depressive or hypomanic episode. Individuals with Bipolar 1 experience full-blown mania. Symptoms may include high energy, insomnia, racing thoughts, extreme talkative behavior, hallucinations and delusions.
- Bipolar Affective Disorder 2: Sometimes referred to as Swinging Bipolar, you may be diagnosed with Bipolar 2 if you experience at least one depressive episode and one hypomanic episode. Unlike Bipolar 1, those diagnosed with Bipolar 2 arent known to have psychotic episodes. They can, however, suffer badly from depression.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: Cycolthymic Disorder is characterized by at least a two-year history of periods of both hypomania/mania and depression, but not to a major extent. Your manic and depressive episodes can go back and forth over a period of time, but not enough to meet full criteria of major depression. Those diagnosed with Cyclothymic Disorder do have trouble functioning at times.
- Bipolar Affective Disorder NOS : This type is diagnosed when you experience some characteristics of bipolar disorder, but none of which can be classified as one of the three other types.