| Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) | | | | pieces of information. For this reason, most successful |
| affects an estimated 2 million people over the age of | | | | disability applicants seek some kind of help, either from |
| 18. Unfortunately, severe symptoms associated with | | | | a professional advocate or specialized information and |
| either manic episodes, depression (or both) can cause | | | | help source.#3: How long will it take?Most initial claims |
| difficulties in holding down a regular job. In fact, working | | | | are decided in 3-4 months. Some take more, some |
| may become impossible for some bipolars.The Social | | | | less. If your claim has to go through the appeals |
| Security Administration (SSA) has disability benefit | | | | process, it can take another 6-12 months -- |
| programs in place for those with severe bipolar who | | | | occasionally, even longer. This is why it is important to |
| are unable to work due to the disorder. These are five | | | | present a strong case from the very beginning, to |
| commonly-asked questions about disability benefits:#1: | | | | expedite the success of your claim.#4: What if my |
| How can I prove I'm disabled by my bipolar | | | | claim is denied?Don't give up! If your initial claim is |
| disorder?SSA has certain criteria they use to establish | | | | denied, you have the opportunity to appeal and |
| any kind of disability, whether related to physical or | | | | request a hearing. (Some states have two lower |
| mental disorders. First, your disorder must be severe | | | | levels prior to the hearing level.) The hearing before a |
| enough to keep you from working more than just a | | | | judge is really your best chance to win. However, it is |
| minimal amount. Second, it must be diagnosed by a | | | | not smart to go in unprepared. You need to present a |
| medical professional, typically a physician or | | | | strong and convincing case to sway the judge enough |
| psychologist. (A psychiatrist is a type of physician.) | | | | to award you benefits. Preparation, including good |
| Third, it must be expected to last at least 12 | | | | documentation of your bipolar condition and its effect |
| months.Additionally, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder | | | | on your ability to work, is essential to your claim's |
| commonly involves a number of signs and symptoms | | | | success.#5: What kind of benefits will I |
| that SSA looks at when determining whether | | | | receive?Disability benefits include monthly checks |
| someone qualifies for disability benefits. These | | | | which vary, depending upon the program you fall under. |
| symptoms could be present in either depressive or | | | | There are two main disability programs under Social |
| manic syndromes, and include things such as:* Appetite | | | | Security. The SSDI program is based primarily on your |
| and/or sleep disturbance | | | | work history; monthly checks average around $900. |
| * Hyperactivity or a lack of energy | | | | The SSI program is based on financial need and |
| * Difficulty concentrating | | | | resources; it helps those without a steady work history. |
| * Involvement in high-risk activities | | | | Everyone gets the same amount under SSI - around |
| * Loss of interest in activities | | | | $600/month maximum.Of course, many benefit |
| * Feelings of guilt or worthlessness or inflated | | | | winners receive a back benefit check which can be |
| self-esteem | | | | many thousands of dollars; this is one reason why it is |
| * Hallucinations, delusions or paranoid thinking | | | | important to apply as soon as you become |
| * Thoughts of suicide | | | | eligible.Other benefits include health and medical |
| * Repeated episodes that affect your ability to | | | | benefits (Medicare and/or Medicaid), newly-established |
| function normallyOf course, there are many factors | | | | prescription drug benefits, and even continued benefits |
| that SSA will look at. They will want documentation | | | | while trying to go back to work, if your situation |
| from your health providers and possibly your family, | | | | improves.Dr. Nickerson has developed the ultimate |
| friends or others who know you.#2: What are my | | | | resource to help those with bipolar disorder win Social |
| chances of winning?Unfortunately, the average | | | | Security disability benefits -- without hiring an expensive |
| approval rating for disability claims at the initial level is | | | | lawyer or paid representative. Get the full story at |
| only about 25-30%. Why? Most claims lack significant | | | | now! |