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Is Bipolar Disorder a Disability?

Is Bipolar Disorder a Disability?

Living with bipolar disorder can feel like riding a rollercoaster of emotions, but does it necessarily mean you’re unable to work? This is a question that many individuals with bipolar disorder grapple with. Is bipolar disorder really a disability, or can people with this condition lead productive professional lives?  Understanding this mental health condition and its impact on daily functioning can provide clarity and help dispel common misconceptions.

Let’s explore what bipolar disorder entails and explore whether it should be classified as a disability while also examining the potential for individuals with this condition to thrive in their careers.

Is Bipolar Disorder Considered a Disability?

Bipolar disorder is often classified as a mental disability due to its significant impact on a person’s ability to function in daily life. This mood disorder, characterized by extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression), can impair one’s ability to maintain employment, relationships, and even self-care. 

Recognizing bipolar disorder as a disability is crucial for ensuring that individuals receive the support and accommodations they need to manage their condition effectively. 

In the United States, two primary programs provide financial assistance to those who qualify: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program offers benefits to people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system but are now unable to work due to their bipolar disorder. Eligibility is based on work history and the severity of the condition.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI provides financial assistance to individuals with bipolar disorder who have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. This need-based program aims to help those who are disabled and financially struggling to meet basic living expenses.

Understanding Disability

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes bipolar disorder as a disability, defining a disability as any mental or physical impairment that significantly affects a person’s functioning in a major area of life. 

Bipolar disorder, with its intense mood swings and potential to disrupt daily activities, fits this description. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) applies a more stringent definition when determining disability for benefits. 

The SSA only considers some cases of bipolar disorder as disabilities, requiring that the individual earns no more than a specific amount per month and that their impairment severely limits basic work-related activities for at least 12 months.

To qualify as having a disability under the SSA’s criteria, a person must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Severe Impairment: The individual’s bipolar disorder must be on the SSA’s list of impairments and severe enough to prevent them from performing any form of work.
  • Work Limitation: The impairment must prevent the person from working in their previous job and in any other suitable job as defined by the SSA.

These criteria ensure that only those who are truly unable to work due to the severity of their bipolar disorder receive disability benefits, highlighting the difference between the ADA’s broader definition and the SSA’s more restrictive approach.

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Eligibility Guidelines for Bipolar Disorder

To qualify for disability benefits due to bipolar disorder, individuals must meet specific criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The eligibility guidelines require individuals to satisfy either the requirements in sections A and B or those in sections A and C.

  1. Medical Documentation:
  2. Depressive Disorder: Characterized by five or more of the following:
  • Depressed mood
  • Diminished interest in almost all activities
  • Appetite disturbance with change in weight
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Observable psychomotor agitation or slowness
  • Decreased energy
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  1. Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by three or more of the following:
  • Pressured speech
  • Flight of ideas
  • Inflated self-esteem
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Distractibility
  • Involvement in activities that have a high probability of painful consequences that are not recognized
  • Increase in goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation

AND

  1. Extreme Limitation or Marked Limitation in Mental Functioning:

Extreme limitation in one, or marked limitation in two, of the following areas:

  • Understanding, remembering, or applying information
  • Interacting with others
  • Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
  • Adapting or managing oneself

OR

  1. Serious and Persistent Mental Disorder:

Medically documented history of the disorder over at least 2 years or Evidence of both:

  • Ongoing medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support, or a highly structured setting that diminishes the symptoms and signs of the disorder
  • Marginal adjustment, meaning a minimal capacity to adapt to changes in the environment or to demands not part of daily life

These stringent eligibility guidelines ensure that only individuals with severe and persistent forms of bipolar disorder, who are significantly impaired in their ability to function, qualify for disability benefits.

Tips for Getting Disability with Bipolar Disorder

Securing disability benefits for bipolar disorder can be a complex process, but with the right approach, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate this journey:

See a Therapist Weekly and a Psychiatrist Monthly

Consistent therapy and psychiatric care are crucial for managing bipolar disorder. Regular appointments not only help in stabilizing your condition but also provide ongoing documentation of your symptoms and treatment progress. 

Weekly therapy sessions and monthly psychiatrist visits can create a comprehensive record of your mental health status, which is vital for your disability claim.

Strengthen Your Medical Records

Detailed and thorough medical records are key to a successful disability claim. Ensure that all your symptoms, treatments, and the impact of your condition on daily life are well-documented. 

This includes any hospitalizations, medication adjustments, and therapy notes. The more comprehensive your medical records, the stronger your case will be in demonstrating the severity and persistence of your bipolar disorder.

Talk to a Lawyer

Navigating the disability application process can be challenging, and having a knowledgeable lawyer can make a significant difference. A lawyer specializing in disability claims can help you understand the eligibility criteria, gather necessary documentation, and represent you during appeals if your initial claim is denied. 

Their expertise can provide invaluable support and increase your chances of obtaining the benefits you need.

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What are Your Rights Under the ADA/Social Security?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides important protections for individuals with bipolar disorder, ensuring they are not discriminated against in the workplace. Under the ADA, your employer cannot cancel a job offer or terminate your employment solely because you have bipolar disorder. 

This law helps create a fair and supportive work environment for those with disabilities.

Rights and Accommodations:

While you must be able to perform the basic tasks required by your job, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations. These accommodations are adjustments to your work schedule or responsibilities that help you manage your condition more effectively. Examples of accommodations for people with bipolar disorder include:

  • A flexible schedule
  • Extra breaks during the day
  • A desk organizer or planner
  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • Job Coaching
  • A support animal

Additionally, the ADA guarantees your right to privacy. You are not obligated to disclose your bipolar disorder to your employer unless you choose to do so. This ensures that your medical information remains confidential, and you can share it only if and when you feel comfortable.

Social Security Benefits:

SSDI Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial support to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system but are now unable to work due to bipolar disorder. To qualify, you must meet specific criteria related to your work history and the severity of your condition.

SSI Benefits: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial assistance to individuals with bipolar disorder who have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. This need-based program helps those who are disabled and facing financial hardship.

Applying for SSDI or SSI Disability When You Have Bipolar Disorder

If you live with bipolar disorder and need to apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, there are several ways to start the process. You can submit your application online through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) official website, which provides a convenient and straightforward way to complete and submit your forms from home. 

Alternatively, you can visit your local SSA office to apply in person, where you can receive direct assistance from SSA staff. If you prefer, you can also apply over the phone by calling 800-772-1213, where a representative can guide you through the application process. 

Regardless of the method you choose, ensure you have all necessary medical documentation and personal information ready to streamline your application and improve your chances of approval.

Summary

So, is bipolar disorder a disability? For many, the answer is yes. Recognizing it as such opens doors to essential accommodations and financial support, making it possible to manage the condition more effectively. By understanding your rights under the ADA and the options available through SSDI and SSI, you can take proactive steps toward securing the assistance you need. 

Remember, seeking help and advocating for yourself is not just about gaining benefits; it’s about empowering yourself to lead a healthier, more stable life despite the challenges of bipolar disorder.

Dr. Lubna Siddiki MD
About Author

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Dr. Lubna Siddiki MD
Dr. Lubna Siddiki is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She specializes in treating adults struggling with various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. Dr. Siddiki believes in a holistic approach to mental health treatment and works closely with her patients to develop personalized treatment plans that focus on their overall well-being. She is dedicated to helping individuals improve their behavioral health and lead fulfilling lives.