How to Apply for Social Security for Bipolor

Bipolar disorder is categorized by severe mood swings from manic to depressive states. Though many people can function with bipolar disorder if they take medication and regularly see a doctor, some cases of bipolar disorder can make a person unable to function at work. Bipolar disorder can make working difficult because of suicidal tendencies and lack of motivation in the depressive state and obsessive compulsive behavior, addictions, anger, and short attention spans in the manic state. Fortunately, people with bipolar disorder can apply for Social Security benefits.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine your eligibility for Social Security. For a person with bipolar disorder to qualify for Social Security benefits, she must have a documented history of manic and depressive episodes and currently be displaying bipolar symptoms. The person must also display difficulty completing routine tasks and an inability to function at work as a result of having bipolar disorder. There's a free screening tool at Social Security Online that can help evaluate eligibility for Social Security.

• 2

  Gather together health and employment records. A person with bipolar disorder can have difficulty in proving he qualifies for Social Security as he often will experience increased activity during manic phrases. Also during the manic phase, a person with bipolar disorder may deny anything is wrong with him. It's important to gather all health and employment records, so government employees at the Social Security office can assess the person's history of bipolar disorder and see that they display recurring, debilitating symptoms.

• 3

  Gather together identifying documents such as Social Ssecurity number, birth certificate, address and tax forms.

• 4

  Fill out a Social Security application. The Social Security application either can be filled out at Social Security Online or by calling 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to fill out an application at a local Social Security office. Social Security Online recommends that applications be filled out and sent in to the Social Security Administration four months before a person needs benefits, as it takes about three to five months to determine eligibility.

• 5

  Request an appeal, if application is denied. According to Allsup, a Social Security disability representation service, about 86 percent of Social Security applications are denied the first time around. After the denial, a person has 60 days to update her health and work information and make an appeal. The Social Security Administration reviews the appeal within three to five months and then sends a letter explaining its decision.