Are There Disability Benefits for Those with Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, in short, is a mental health condition where mood swings are the most common symptom. Many people aren’t aware of this condition and its severity. Someone with bipolar disorder can feel irritated, exhausted, decreased energy in one moment and can feel happy and cheered up with a lot of energy in another. This directly impacts people's daily lives, and their ability to work also decreases. Bipolar disorder is considered a disability as the person’s ability to work is limited. Some individuals can’t work due to severe and prolonged disability, so they can claim bipolar disorder disability benefits. But let’s first understand what are the symptoms and types of bipolar disorder.

Symptoms and Types of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms

Manic Episodes can be characterized by the symptoms mentioned below.

 - Irritable mood

 - Racing thoughts

 - Increased energy levels

 - Reduced sleep

 - Over-confident

Depressive Episodes can be characterized by:

 - Prolonged sadness

 - Loss of interest in activities

 - Fatigue

 - Low concentration on work

Types of Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar I disorder

This is a disorder where at least one symptom of a manic episode or depressive episode is there.

Bipolar II disorder

To characterize this disorder, at least one symptom of both depressive and manic episodes should be there.

Cyclothymic disorder

Numerous symptoms of manic and depressive episodes characterize this disorder.

What are the Disability Benefits for Those with Bipolar Disorder?

Individuals with bipolar disorder are eligible for various benefits, but it depends upon the severity of the condition. If your condition is severe and impacts the work, only then you’re eligible for disability benefits.

Private Disability Insurance

Do you have disability insurance from your employer or a personal policy? If yes, then you are eligible for disability benefits. But this is only dependent upon the severity of your case. If your case is not severe and you’re working fine, then this claim might not be approved. Moreover, the specific coverage will also depend upon the type of insurance policy you have.

Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits

 - Are you unable to work for a short period due to bipolar disorder? Under this policy, you can get temporary benefits that can support you while you’re not able to work.

 - There is an eligibility criterion depending on the severity and history that will help decide whether you’re eligible or not.

 - There is a procedure that you have to follow in order to claim these benefits.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits

Are you not able to work due to a severe and prolonged disability of bipolar disorder? If yes, then you might be eligible for long-term disability benefits under this program.

 - You must meet specific criteria, and your bipolar disorder should be expected to last at least 12 months or more.

 - A proper process is there to claim bipolar disorder disability benefits that you’ll read in this article.

 - If, in any case, you are able to work correctly without affecting the quality of work, your claims for disability benefits can be disapproved.

Process of Claiming Disability Benefits for Bipolar Disorder

Diagnosis of the Disorder

When you want to be clear if you have bipolar disorder or not, you must get yourself diagnosed by a mental health professional. Get a clear and accurate diagnosis so you can submit it to your lawyer and even in court.

Collect Medical Records

If you’re diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you should collect all the medical documents, such as the treatment plan, medication list and even reports from the doctor. Your medical record plays a crucial role in supporting your claims, so make sure you’ve all of them.

Document Limited Ability to Perform Tasks

Are you not able to perform daily living abilities? If yes, then you should document how your bipolar disorder is affecting your ability. If you can’t work effectively and face trouble concentrating, focusing on work, decision-making and more, you should document all of these limitations.

Professional Assessment

If you feel that you’re not able to perform tasks at your workplace, you must get assessed and add that in documents. This can work as a piece of valuable evidence that can support your disability claims.

Apply for Benefits

 - Now that you have all your documents with you that can support your claims, you can apply for the benefit. Determine which program you are eligible for and choose the right one.

 - Fill out the form for disability claims accurately, then provide the documents required to support your claim.

 - The government official will review this claim, and then the other process will start.

Attend Medical Assessments by the Government

Your claim will be further processed, and government officials will contact you to attend a medical examination. Though you have provided your medical records, a government-appointed medical professional will assess you to ensure you’re disabled with bipolar disorder. They will evaluate the severity of your condition and how it impacts your ability to work.

Consider Consulting a Lawyer

If you can’t go through this process alone, you can get guidance from a disability lawyer who can guide you through the application process and maximize your chances of a successful claim.

 - A lawyer can help represent you and your interests in court and try to get the best possible results.

 - They can help in collecting documents that will support you in court. They will form documents in a way that your case will be considered.

 - If, by any chance, your appeal is denied, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision and build a strong case.

In a Nutshell!

Individuals with bipolar disorder are eligible for disability claims, but there are various considerations before that. You need to prove that your bipolar disorder is affecting your work and daily life. In the process, you should consult a disability lawyer who can provide you with expert advice and can provide you with the best outcome possible.