Severe mood swings caused by Bipolar disorder can make working, learning, and everyday tasks difficult to perform. Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a psychotic mental disorder involving both depression and mania. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration offers disability benefits to help alleviate the financial struggles for those living with bipolar disorder. As a Social Security Lawyer near Maryville, our hope is that this blog post will offer some guidance to Maryville residents that are applying for Social Security disability benefits for bipolar disorder.
How To Qualify
In order to qualify for disability benefits for bipolar disorder, the following severe conditions must be true, even with proper medication:
- You are required to meet specific bipolar disorder requirements that the Social Security Administration has set out in its impairment on affective mood disorders listing.
- You can not function at a high enough level and in a consistent manner to hold a basic, unskilled job.
- You must have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and a history of severe symptoms of both depression and mania (even if you are currently experiencing symptoms of only one or the other)
- You are required to have three of the listed symptoms of mania:
- Hyperactivity
- Pressured Speech
- Flight of ideas
- Thoughts of paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations
- Inflated self-esteem
- Decreased sleep or insomnia
- Easily distracted
- You are also required to have had any of the four symptoms of depression:
- Decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in most activities
- Disturbed sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Feelings of guilt
- Suicidal thoughts
- Lack of physical movement
- The SSA also requires that your bipolar disorder causes any two of these problems:
- Severe difficulties in social functioning
- Severe difficulties in concentration
- Severe restriction of activities
- Repeated
Alternatively, you may be able to qualify for bipolar disorder benefits without fulfilling any of the above requirements if your diagnosed bipolar disorder has lasted a minimum of two years and has improved somewhat with medication and support. You are not expected to be able to work because your condition limits your ability to do basic activities.
Your Social Security Lawyer Maryville
It is not required that you hire a Social Security lawyer near Maryville when applying for disability benefits. There are, however, many benefits to hiring an experienced attorney. As you can tell, the requirements for being granted Social Security disability benefits for bipolar disorder are very complex. Your Social Security lawyer near Maryville will know the medical evidence that is required to support your claim.
If you have bipolar disorder and are applying for Social Security disability benefits, contact Kenneth Miller & Associates for a free case evaluation.
