Can I get disability benefits for bipolar?

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Yes, you can get disability for bipolar disorder, especially through the Social Security Administration (SSA), if it is severe enough to prevent you from working. Eligibility requires proving your condition is medically documented and causes significant functional limitations, such as extreme difficulty understanding, remembering, or interacting with others, or a chronic history of significant impairment despite treatment. The two main SSA programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those with a work history, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for those with limited income and assets. 

 

Key requirements for disability benefits

• Medical documentation: 

  You need a formal diagnosis of bipolar disorder supported by medical records, including details from your doctors, reports from exams, psychological testing, and information on your medications and therapy. 

• Work limitations: 

  You must show that your bipolar disorder prevents you from working. This can be proven by demonstrating a history of "decompensation" (not being able to cope with stress or changes) or that your symptoms cause extreme or marked limitations in your ability to function. 

• Functional limitations: 

  The SSA evaluates mental limitations in specific areas:

  • Understanding, remembering, or applying information 

  • Interacting with others 

  • Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace 

  • Adapting or managing yourself 

• "Serious and persistent" criteria: 

  If your condition doesn't meet the specific functional limitation criteria, you may still qualify if you have a documented history of the disorder for at least two years, have received ongoing treatment, and continue to have significant impairment despite treatment. 

• Evidence from others: 

  Letters from family, friends, and former employers describing how your condition affects your daily life and job performance can be helpful evidence. 

 

How to apply

• Two main programs:

  • SSDI: For individuals who have a work history and have paid into Social Security taxes. 

  • SSI: A needs-based program for those with limited income and assets, and who are disabled. 

• Gather evidence: 

  Collect all relevant medical records and other documents that prove your diagnosis and its impact on your ability to work. 

• Complete the application: 

  Fill out the application forms for the SSA. 

• Seek help: 

  Consider consulting a disability attorney or advocate to help you with the application and appeals process, which can be complex.