|  | Mental Health | Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disability Qualifications

When you have bipolar disorder it can be incredibly difficult to hold a job. The ups and downs associated with this disorder make stability difficult in all areas of life, not only on the job front. If you think that bipolar disorder is preventing you from obtaining and keeping a job, then there are a few things you should consider before going to the Social Security office.

  1. Bipolar Disorder

    • Bipolar disorder is listed in the Social Security office's list of medical conditions under section 12.04, affective disorders. This condition is considered severe when certain criteria are met. An extended definition is available on the Social Security website but in short, you must have persistent symptoms that make daily living, social functioning or concentration difficult or have documentation from the past two years, at least, of how your illness has affected your ability to work significantly.

    Defining Disability

    • The Social Security office defines disability on their website in three ways, "You cannot do work that you did before, you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition and your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death." If your mood swings are so severe that you cannot work then you meet all three of the requirements to be considered disabled.

    Work History

    • Your employment history should indicate that bipolar disorder has had a detrimental effect on your work. This could mean documentation of lost work due to your illness or an inability to hold a position. If you are currently employed you can still earn Social Security benefits, however there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive Social Security disability benefits. If you earn more than $980 a month you can be disqualified from receiving benefits.

    Medical History

    • When you go to the Social Security office they will ask for a copy of your medical records. Your medical history should back up any claims of a debilitating disorder. Records of hospitalization, medications prescribed and any other treatment received will help justify your claim. This also should include references from your doctor showing how you've struggled and his opinion in regards to your ability to work based on your struggles with bipolar disorder.

    Benefits

    • The amount you will be awarded is based on your specific case. The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) on the Social Security website can tell you which benefits you are eligible for based on the information you give them. This does not guarantee benefits, but it is simply meant as a tool to help you estimate your award amount. Once you actually file and are accepted, you will be contacted with your award amount.

Bipolar Disorder - Related Articles