Bipolar and Disability

[Chloebug99]

Hi...I was wondering if anyone has applied for and been approved for disability bc of their bipolar diagnosis. I had that and PTSD on my application, and I didn't know if maybe someone would have some insight. Thanks so much for any input!

[Bubulous]

I applied for and got my SSD in 6 months based on my PTSD and Bipolar.  It helps to get a lawyer and constantly bring in paperwork from your treatment.  If you are going through treatment like meeting with a therapist while you are applying for SSI so that they see you are trying.  Let me know how it goes.  Get all of your paperwork together and be prepared to wait a little bit.

[persephonedemeter]

You may find the ssdrc.com website helpful. Social Security Disability Resource Center.

[weaver71]

Oh yeah, the fastest way to get started, is the online application. You should fill it out today, you can always ignore it, when you get a response, but you will be in the system. You cannot hire a lawyer to help you file, until after you have been denied. I ignored the response and missed the mental health interview, they called me about 3 months after applying. I did find out the process though. Had I gone to the meeting, chances are, I would have been disqualified. If I wanted to continue the pursuit, then I would have found a lawyer to represent my case. Legal ease has become so complicated, it takes a lawyer to know what to say, just being honest doesn't work. It's like the Driver's License tests, it's not about the right answers in reality, it's more about proving you know the answers they want. Just my opinion. Check out the SSDI web site, it really spells it out pretty straight forward, though the site is a little odd to navigate.

[breakdance202]

I don't really have insight, but when I was hospitalized once for a mixed state and had a lot of hostility and anger the inpatient doctor said I should apply, but I didn't because I wanted to go back to work, but than I wonder what it would be like to have it. Would I like it? Just wonder sometimes. Anyway, good luck. The man downtairs is vomiting again. He does every morning around this time. Makes me feel bad. I wonder if he has a terminal illness. Maybe he's on disability. I could go downstairs and ask him about the process.

[weaver71]

My therapist said you get denied first apply, pretty much every time. It takes 1-2 years and all her clients who have it, had to be hoslitalized a few times to get it. That was my issue, I have lived rurally and a lifestyle that has prevented me from getting locked up. In a bigger city, I would have been institutionalized and I'd qualify, but I just decided to find another wAy to survive. It's been tricky, but I am still alive. Good luck.

[CRSeaside]

Almost everyone in my support group is on it. They say you usually get denied 1 st time and need to reapply. The group is thru DBSA. They have lots of info & it's free. Good luck.