SSA has disability programs to help those suffering from the bipolar problems. These are five commonly-asked questions about disability benefits:
#1: To prove that disabled by the bipolar disorder:
SSA uses criteria to find out about the disability disorder a person is suffering from. The following are the conditions as specified by the SSA to find out the disability criteria.
1) Your disorder must be severe enough to keep you from working more than just a minimal amount.
2) It must be diagnosed by a medical professional, typically a physician or psychologist. (A psychiatrist is a type of physician.)
3) It must be expected to last at least 12 months.
#2: There are many symptoms related to Bipolar disorder. The SSA checks for these symptoms & some of the symptoms include:
* Loss of interest in activities
* Feelings of guilt or worthlessness or inflated self-esteem
* Hallucinations, delusions or paranoid thinking
* Thoughts of suicide
* Repeated episodes that affect your ability to function normally
* Difficulty concentrating
* Involvement in high-risk activities
For all the symptoms listed above, SSA will look for the medical records. So the person applying for the bipolar disorder has to have all the records related to the disorder.
#3: What are the chances of winning?
Getting approved by the SSA for the bipolar disorder is a very difficult one. All the medical records should be perfect & the person applying for it should be able to provide all the documenmts which SSA ask for. Normally, it would be better to take the help of an attorney while applying for the SSA. The attorney would have the skills & knowledge of dealing with the SSA.
#3: How long will take for the SSA to decide about the bipolar disorder?
Generally, SSA would take around 3 to 4 months to decide or sometimes it would take less than that to decide about the case. If the claim has to go through the appeals process, it can take longer. May be like 6 to 12 months to decide about the case.
#4: What if the SSA rejects the claim?
Good documents to support your bipolar disorder & its effect on your working is a very important criteria to show the SSA about your disorder. If your case is rejected, you can appeal again. But before presenting the case again before the judge, be prepared.
#5: What kind of benefits will I receive?
The monthly checks which you get vary depending upon the program you fall under. There are two main programs under the SSA programs. 1) SSDI program is based primarily on your work history; monthly checks average around $900. 2) SSI program is based on financial need and resources: it helps those without a steady work history. Around $600/month maximum. This amount is the same for all.
There are other benefits of the SSA disability program. Check the website http://www.social-
