| Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) | | | | pieces of information. For this reason, most |
| affects an estimated 2 million people over the age of | | | | successful disability applicants seek some kind of help, |
| 18. Unfortunately, severe symptoms associated with | | | | either from a professional advocate or specialized |
| either manic episodes, depression (or both) can cause | | | | information and help source.#3: How long will it |
| difficulties in holding down a regular job. In fact, | | | | take?Most initial claims are decided in 3-4 months. |
| working may become impossible for some | | | | Some take more, some less. If your claim has to go |
| bipolars.The Social Security Administration (SSA) has | | | | through the appeals process, it can take another 6-12 |
| disability benefit programs in place for those with | | | | months -- occasionally, even longer. This is why it is |
| severe bipolar who are unable to work due to the | | | | important to present a strong case from the very |
| disorder. These are five commonly-asked questions | | | | beginning, to expedite the success of your claim.#4: |
| about disability benefits:#1: How can I prove I'm | | | | What if my claim is denied?Don't give up! If your initial |
| disabled by my bipolar disorder?SSA has certain | | | | claim is denied, you have the opportunity to appeal |
| criteria they use to establish any kind of disability, | | | | and request a hearing. (Some states have two lower |
| whether related to physical or mental disorders. First, | | | | levels prior to the hearing level.) The hearing before a |
| your disorder must be severe enough to keep you | | | | judge is really your best chance to win. However, it is |
| from working more than just a minimal amount. | | | | not smart to go in unprepared. You need to present |
| Second, it must be diagnosed by a medical | | | | a strong and convincing case to sway the judge |
| professional, typically a physician or psychologist. (A | | | | enough to award you benefits. Preparation, including |
| psychiatrist is a type of physician.) Third, it must be | | | | good documentation of your bipolar condition and its |
| expected to last at least 12 months.Additionally, a | | | | effect on your ability to work, is essential to your |
| diagnosis of bipolar disorder commonly involves a | | | | claim's success.#5: What kind of benefits will I |
| number of signs and symptoms that SSA looks at | | | | receive?Disability benefits include monthly checks |
| when determining whether someone qualifies for | | | | which vary, depending upon the program you fall |
| disability benefits. These symptoms could be present | | | | under. There are two main disability programs under |
| in either depressive or manic syndromes, and include | | | | Social Security. The SSDI program is based primarily |
| things such as:* Appetite and/or sleep disturbance | | | | on your work history; monthly checks average |
| * Hyperactivity or a lack of energy | | | | around $900. The SSI program is based on financial |
| * Difficulty concentrating | | | | need and resources; it helps those without a steady |
| * Involvement in high-risk activities | | | | work history. Everyone gets the same amount under |
| * Loss of interest in activities | | | | SSI - around $600/month maximum.Of course, many |
| * Feelings of guilt or worthlessness or inflated | | | | benefit winners receive a back benefit check which |
| self-esteem | | | | can be many thousands of dollars; this is one reason |
| * Hallucinations, delusions or paranoid thinking | | | | why it is important to apply as soon as you become |
| * Thoughts of suicide | | | | eligible.Other benefits include health and medical |
| * Repeated episodes that affect your ability to | | | | benefits (Medicare and/or Medicaid), |
| function normallyOf course, there are many factors | | | | newly-established prescription drug benefits, and even |
| that SSA will look at. They will want documentation | | | | continued benefits while trying to go back to work, if |
| from your health providers and possibly your family, | | | | your situation improves.Dr. Nickerson has developed |
| friends or others who know you.#2: What are my | | | | the ultimate resource to help those with bipolar |
| chances of winning?Unfortunately, the average | | | | disorder win Social Security disability benefits -- |
| approval rating for disability claims at the initial level is | | | | without hiring an expensive lawyer or paid |
| only about 25-30%. Why? Most claims lack significant | | | | representative. Get the full story at now! |