What are the Chances of Getting Disability for Bipolar Disorder?

According to the “National Comorbidity Survey Replication” by the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 46 million individuals globally and 4.4% of adults in the US suffer from bipolar disorder, particularly during the adulting phase.

Bipolar disorder, depending on its severity, causes your daily routine and moods to fluctuate dramatically, making it difficult for you to function normally on both personal and professional fronts.

So, does it mean that people with bipolar disorder have a disability? There are multiple aspects to this, and we have covered them comprehensively in this article. Read on to know the chances of getting a disability for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder: Disability or Not?

The mood swings experienced by a bipolar disorder patient are way more extreme than the regular emotional highs and lows generally experienced by normal people.

So, it is considered a serious mental illness as it can progress to dangerous levels and reach a point wherein patients lose focus, jobs, relationships, and much more.

What is even worse is that they might even develop suicidal tendencies or actions and display violent behavior toward themselves and others around them.

Therefore, whether or not bipolar disorder should be considered a disability is widely debated. As per the provisions of the ADA or the American Disabilities Act, bipolar disorder is a disability, and any patient unable to work normally every day is eligible to receive monetary benefits.

Will you be Eligible to Receive Bipolar Disorder Disability Payments?

The primary reason is the abrupt onset of mania and depression, or the sudden mood swings make it really challenging for patients to be productive. However, everything is not as black and white as it seems when it comes to the benefits despite giving a disability status to bipolar disorder.

Even though maintaining your employment along with your daily life may be complicated if you have bipolar disorder, the social security administration may still refuse to provide disability payments.

This is because bipolar disorder is classified into multiple types, and the severity of your condition varies from type to type.

Different Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I – The manic symptoms or episodes are quite extensive in Bipolar I patients and happen every other day. This is the most severe form of bipolar disorder in which the bouts of depression might go on for a couple of weeks. So, Bipolar I requires prompt medical attention along with consistent psychiatric treatment supported by regular medication management.

Bipolar II – Mania in Bipolar II patients is relatively less severe than bipolar I. But the phase of depression is likely to stay for a longer period. Patients affected by bipolar II have a confused state of mind that oscillates between depression and hypomania. Hypomania is an elevated state of mind characterized by irritability and excessive energy.

Cyclothymic bipolar disorder – This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by extended periods of mood changes that rapidly flip from one extreme to another. However, the depression phase is not too intense.

The ADA law: Explained

To understand why you may be denied bipolar disorder disability benefits, let us go through some of the key provisions of the ADA, short for the American Disabilities Act.

The ADA was enacted to eliminate unfair treatment of patients with major disabilities in matters concerning recruitment, compensation, additional benefits, termination of jobs, and more. Disabilities, in this case, cover both mental and physical inabilities.

These benefits are also extended to your spouse in case he or she has bipolar disorder qualified as a disability or other serious impairments obstructing their work.

Although you deserve to receive all the benefits as per the ADA, the financial help provided by SSA (Social Security Administration) is determined entirely at the discretion of the SSA.

Here are the requirements specified by the SSA for determining disability:

• It must be on the SSA’s approved list as being very severe, such that it limits any kind of substantial work
• You must be physically or mentally unable to do justice to your previous job or perform fundamental duties at your workplace for at least a year
• Most importantly, the company’s definition of disability is also taken into careful consideration by the SSA to eventually recognize you with severe bipolar disorder as a disability
• You will be categorized as severely disabled with bipolar disorder only if you make less than a specified amount on a monthly basis

Can Your Employer Deny Adjustments if You are Bipolar?

Yes! However, in case of denial, if you feel it was a biased decision, it can be challenged by putting in a complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

EEOC is a federal agency that protects the rights of disabled patients. And can help you with filing a lawsuit against discrimination by your employer.

Reasons for rejecting such requests at your workplace may include the following:

• Your demands are too expensive for the company and can significantly affect its business, financial stability, and key operations
• Your request is inherently unreasonable or may seem unethical/unfair
• Given you have severe bipolar disorder, you pose an immediate risk to your life or the lives of others working with you

Can your Bipolar Disorder be Qualified as a Disability? What are the Chances?

Having bipolar disorder in any form does not prevent you from being eligible for disability compensation in the long run. But the most crucial aspect is to get your claim approved by presenting substantial evidence of the major signs and symptoms that are crippling your everyday life.

To ensure your application is not denied, a good understanding of the symptoms will make a huge difference while filing claims.

Here are the primary symptoms in the three different stages of bipolar disorder. Make sure you watch out for these.

Symptoms of Bipolar State of Mania

• Excessive recklessness
• Extremely impulsive behavior
• Hallucination
• Rapid heartbeat
• Elevated moods

Symptoms of Bipolar Depressed State

• Attention deficit
• Hopelessness
• Fatigue
• Lack of excitement and vigor
• Sleep disorders
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Suicidal thoughts

Symptoms of Bipolar Mixed State

• Delusional thoughts
• Extreme hostility
• Excessive trust issues
• A tendency to drift away from reality
• Sleep deprivation
• Extreme exhaustion

Chances of Getting a Disability for Bipolar Disorder

The estimated likelihood of being approved for bipolar disability payments and benefits is approximately two-thirds of those who submit their applications.

The process can take two years or longer to meet the requirements for bipolar disability compensation. So, it is advisable to have thorough diagnostic and necessary documents indicating that you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for a minimum of one year.

You may also be required to submit a comprehensive account of how your bipolar disorder symptoms negatively impact your work.

Post successful verification of the nature of your mental constraints, and upon receiving your doctor’s backing in the form of important observations, you can become eligible for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

Conclusion

Long-term disability claims for bipolar disorder can be further strengthened with appropriate diagnosis, adequate medical evidence, and personal testimonies.

For extra cognitive testing, you can also go for a neuropsychological assessment to present your insurance provider with concrete proof of the ways in which your mental illness truly prevents you from functioning normally at your workplace.

Despite the severity, if you are still denied the benefits, you should reach out to a reliable social security lawyer/attorney who can help and knows what it takes to win your case to get your bipolar disorder disability benefits application approved.

How was your journey of applying for social security disability benefits? We would like to know first-hand accounts so our readers are aware of how to go about this in case they are struggling to build a strong case.