Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that can affect your mood, energy levels, concentration, ability to interact well with others and capacity to function consistently. For many people with the disorder, the cycle of manic and depressive episodes can make it very hard to maintain regular employment.
Even though the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes bipolar disorder as a potentially disabling condition, qualifying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits requires more than just having a diagnosis.
How does SSA evaluate disability claims for bipolar disorder?
To qualify for SSD or SSI benefits for bipolar disorder, applicants have to show that their symptoms are severe enough to prevent them from maintaining substantial gainful employment. Understanding what SSA looks for when evaluating a claim can help you better prepare your application.
SSA typically looks at your symptoms and how they affect your ability to:
- Understand, remember or apply new information
- Interact appropriately with employers, coworkers or the public
- Maintain your concentration over time and complete assigned tasks
- Adapt to changes or manage stress in your work environment
What can you do to strengthen the evidence in your file in support of your claim? The number one thing is to seek regular treatment from your primary care physician, psychiatrist and/or psychologist for your condition. Make certain, at every visit, to report your symptoms honestly and give detailed examples of how your condition interferes with your ability to function at home and at work. In addition, make sure that you follow your doctors’ recommendations for treatment as carefully as possible. These steps will eventually create a clear picture of how your condition affects you over time.
Many disability claims involving bipolar disorder are initially denied. Sometimes, that’s because medical records are incomplete or the condition hasn’t been documented long enough to show that it has been disabling (or is expected to be disabling) for at least a year. Gaps in treatment and insufficient evidence of how the condition limits your ability to function at work can also lead to a denial.
Working with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney can help you compile a clear, effective record that will make it easier to get your claim approved.