One of the common questions those with severe bipolar have is “can I get SSI for Bipolar Depression and Anxiety?”
Bipolar disorder is considered a disability. Both by the Social Security Administration and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
So yes, you can get SSI for bipolar depression and anxiety. However, you must qualify and provide facts about your condition before getting your SSI approved.
Let’s dig in a little deeper so you know what to expect.
Can I Get SSI for Bipolar Depression and Anxiety?
To get SSI your condition must be severe enough to keep you from working. That diagnosis must be made by a qualified medical provider.
This likely means seeing a mental health doctor to help support your application. If a medical expert confirms the diagnosis, you are eligible for benefits.
Who Qualifies?
The Social Security Administration keeps a Blue Book that lays out who qualifies for disability. For bipolar disorder, you can get approval for SSI if you have two or more of the following:
- Medical vocational disability endorsement
- History of consistent symptomatic manic episodes
- Depressive syndromes
- Inability to interact with others in a normal way
- Limited daily activity caused by bipolar episodes
- Repeat episodes of decompensation
Seeing a mental health doctor who can help document and monitor your bipolar can help. And not just by improving your condition. It can also help increase your chances of getting your SSI approval.
Bipolar Symptoms
What are the common symptoms of bipolar? Here are the most common ones.
Bipolar Depression Episodes
- Lack of sleep / Too much sleep
- Constant fatigue
- Losing a lot of weight / gaining a lot of weight
- Constantly in depressed mood
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt
- Feeling worthless
- In constant displease
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty making decisions
- Constant suicidal thoughts and attempts
Bipolar Mania Episodes:
- Feeling overjoyed out of the blue
- Racing thoughts
- More talkative than usual
- Decreased need for sleep
- Sudden increase in self esteem
- Gets distracted easily
- Sudden increase in interest for any activity, especially goal-oriented ones
- Sudden reckless behavior
Tips For Getting SSI Approval
There are things you can do to improve your chances for approval.
One is to ask friends or family to help. Having them document your behavior changes is one way.
Also ask your family or your caretaker to keep a detailed history of your current and previous medications. Taking the prescribed medication correctly can also support your application for Social Security Benefits.
Your bipolar condition may be managed and improve over time with proper medication and therapy. So it is important to see a healthcare professional regularly.
You can also keep a detailed journal with dates and notes on your condition. In there, make note of any usual activities that you cannot do on a particular day. This can help with your SSI application. It can also be useful for therapy sessions.
Also, keep records of how your bipolar has affected your performance at work.
Lastly, if you want more evidence and supporting documents, you can ask your doctor to track the course of your symptoms.
Disapproval Reasons
There are things that can hurt your chances of approval. Common ones are the use of alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs.
Initial applications often get denied. However, you can appeal your case if that happens. Just provide more and stronger evidence for your case.
More on Bipolar Disorder
This article is part of our guide to bipolar disorder treatments, symptoms, causes and more.
Check out the next topic in our guide, bipolar natural treatment diet ideas.
