Getting Disability Benefits for Bipolar Disorder

Fortunately, you can find a wealth of government information about filing for disability benefits on the Internet. Once you begin reading that material, you’ll discover that there are really two different types of disability benefit programs. One provides Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) while the other offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSDI program provides benefits for those who have paid Social Security taxes and worked long enough to be considered “insured” under it. In contrast, the SSI program is based solely on financial need and is available to everyone else who has a qualifying disability.

The application process is basically the same, whether you are filing due to a more routine physical ailment like cancer or one affecting brain chemistry like bipolar disorder. Regardless of the type of claim you’ll be filing, it can be very useful to speak with an attorney about how to approach the entire process.

Filing a Disability Claim

The Social Security Administration Web site provides two different links for those filing for SSDI benefits. One link is for those under the age of 18 and the other is for all others age eighteen and older.  Information about appealing an unfavorable decision is also provided on this same page. Applicants are fortunate that this type of disability claim application can be handled three different ways: over the phone, online or in person at a Social Security office.

The basic information you’ll need to be ready to provide when applying is referenced in a Social Security Administration Checklist. As you might imagine, medical and work records are of primary importance, as well as any pertinent information regarding past worker’s compensation filings, military service records and personal financial holdings. (Note: If you are filing a claim for Supplemental Security Income – SSI – benefits, be advised that you cannot file such applications online. You will need to deal directly with your local Social Security office to file your application.)

Getting Disability Benefits for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, formerly better known as manic depression, can make it very difficult for those afflicted to get along easily with others. Strong mood swings often provoke major emotional outbursts that complicate both personal and workplace relationships. Furthermore, many people who battle bipolar disorder find it very difficult to maintain a regular drug regimen, often mistaking their “high moods” for recovery. When they go off their “meds,” they often spiral back into especially strong “high” and “low” mood swings.

Eventually, bipolar disorder can make it basically impossible for some people to hold down a job, no matter how hard they try to do so. Some individuals who have bipolar disorder are a bit like “brittle diabetics” in the sense that they constantly need their doctors’ help in making adjustments to their medications.

Since someone with bipolar disorder usually varies between two rather opposite “poles” of emotion such as mania or depression, it’s a brain chemistry disorder that’s closely linked to many other mood disorders.

Disability Determination

Psychiatric care is always indicated for those suffering with bipolar disorder. Many such individuals often struggle with their medications and require brief hospitalizations. All recent psychiatric medical records, in addition to general physical medical records, will be reviewed closely by the Social Security Administration when deciding if a specific person is so disabled as to qualify for either SSDI or SSI benefits.

Pursuing the Frequently Necessary Appellate Process

A great many people who apply for social security benefits are turned down on their first try. It then becomes necessary to pursue an appeal. It’s at this stage, if not sooner, that many applicants realize that they should seriously consider hiring a lawyer. An attorney who specializes in helping the disabled obtain government benefits can explain to an applicant what type of appeal is required in his or her case and how it should be initiated.

Appeals are sometimes just “paper” ones where a social security official simply goes back over the application paperwork to see if there really was just cause to turn down the application. More formal appeals may require going before an administrative law judge.

When to Get Help from a Disability Lawyer

If you’re currently trying to decide whether you should file for SSI or SSDI, your health and finances may be causing you tremendous stress. At this time, it may greatly help you to consult with a lawyer who specializes in securing government benefits for clients pursuing valid claims. Not only can an attorney immediately tell you which documents need to be obtained while preparing your filing, he or she can also inform you about the various meetings you may need to attend and the proper procedures that must be followed.

Furthermore, since it’s necessary for many current applicants to appeal negative decisions in their cases, hiring a lawyer may help you minimize the time it will take to fully pursue your appeal and hopefully obtain your benefits.

Keep in mind, you do not have to pay attorneys in these types of cases when you first hire them – they generally obtain their pay out of the back payment funds the Social Security Administration must pay you when your claim is finally granted. In addition, if a lawyer cannot secure any benefits for you, you should not be contractually bound to pay anything for the attorney’s services. Be sure any lawyer you hire specifically notes these terms in your contract.

(The timeframe used in calculating back payment amounts runs from the date when you first filed your application until the time when benefits are finally awarded).