Getting Disability Compensation for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a long term disruptive psychiatric condition that causes an individual to have intense mood swings.  A person with bipolar can abruptly go from a state of depression to a state of euphoria or mania.  It can be difficult for a person with bipolar disorder to do routine things such as maintain employment even with consistent medical treatment.  Some people with bipolar disorder, therefore, seek and obtain disability benefits.

Proving Bipolar Disorder

In order to prove that you have bipolar disorder, you will need a statement from a qualified doctor or psychiatrist about your condition.  A doctor’s report is most influential if it is a doctor who has known you and been treating you for a while.

In addition to a doctor’s report, it may be helpful to provide some or all of the following documentation:

• Letters from Employers and Former Employers: explaining how your disorder affected your job performance;
• Notes from Friends and Relatives: explaining how your disorder affects your daily life; and
• Letters from Therapists: explaining that the effects of bipolar continue despite treatment and your attempt to manage your disorder.

Filing a Claim and Getting Disability Benefits

In order to maximize the chances of getting disability benefits it is important to file a complete application with the supporting information explained above. 

Generally, you will qualify for benefits if you have problems in 2 of the 4 main areas of functioning.  Specifically, you, and your lawyer, will need to prove that you have complications in at least two of the following areas:

• Daily Living Skills:  such as getting dressed and cleaning and grooming yourself independently without reminders or help from others;
• Social Functioning: acting and speaking appropriately in social and employment situations;
• Concentration: completing tasks in a timely manner; and
• Episodes of Decomposition: keeping your temper in check and remaining engaged in a situation.

Denials and Appeals

If your disability claim is denied, as many initially are, then you may file an appeal.  It is important to file your appeal within the required timeline which is typically sixty days absent good cause for an extension.  Your appeal should clearly state why you want the claim reconsidered and why you should be considered disabled.

A lawyer can help a person with bipolar disorder file an initial claim or file an appeal if the claim is denied.  Bipolar disorder can have a significant impact on your life so talk to a disability lawyer about representing your best interests and getting you the benefits to which you're entitled.