Social Security Disability & Bipolar Disorder

A bipolar disorder can be very disruptive to those who suffer from the condition. It can affect their lives, work and social interactions. As such it is classified as a mental disorder. However, the classification of bipolar disorder is not in itself sufficient to be approved for a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application approval. This is a result of the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of an eligible disability.

Disability Defined

• The Social Security Administration defines a disability for the purposes of SSI disability benefits approval as a condition that permanently restricts the ability to be employed and work. You must be in such a limited condition that you can no longer function and do the work you were previously employed for, and there is no potential for you to alternatively perform another type of work. Additionally, the disability condition must exist for at least one year or will eventually result in your death. This strict definition does not allow for partial or temporary disability. The disability restriction suffered must be complete in nature.

What is a Bipolar Disorder?

• Involving a mental condition that causes mood shifts and changes, sometimes unpredictably, a bipolar disorder can result in significant problems for the sufferer. Not only does the condition cause depression and other negative mood situations, it also results in mixed mood situations where the sufferer switches unpredictably from mood to mood. This causes havoc in relationships and sufferers statistically have a higher probability for suicidal tendencies than the average person.

The Threshold for Disability Benefits Approval

• The SSA reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. The applicant with bipolar disorder must be able to show that his condition meets the strict definition noted above. Social Security will review the initial application based on the information provided and, if approved, will also initiate periodic follow-up reviews. These follow-up reviews do not necessarily follow a set calendar schedule, but recipients are notified before a review takes place.

Supporting Documentation

• While an applicant's statements will be collected, decisions on disability benefits must be supported by medical documentation and doctor's records. As a result, recipients will need to remember to not only follow up with their prescriptions but also their treatment checkups and reviews. These reports from a doctor's periodic examinations will be critical to supporting ongoing need for disability benefits.

What Happens if You're Denied

• Being unable to meet the criteria thresholds established by Social Security the first time does not mean that an applicant is barred from applying again. If additional information and treatment documentation can be collected, an applicant can reapply for a reconsideration.