The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that helps people with disabilities gain equal rights at work. Bipolar disorder is considered a disability under the ADA, as is blindness or multiple sclerosis. You can also qualify for Social Security benefits if you can't work. Like depression, a heart condition, or any type of physical disability, bipolar disorder is an impairment that can prevent a person from participating in work.
If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. A Philadelphia disability benefits lawyer can help you gather evidence and file a claim, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome. Bipolar disorder can be considered a disability if you meet the work and medical requirements described in the SSA Blue Book. The Social Security Administration has established that a claimant with bipolar disorder must have a history of consistent symptomatic manic episodes, depressive syndromes, or a combination of both.
To receive disability benefits, you'll need to prove more than just a diagnosis of depression or bipolar disorder. While medications and psychotherapy can help control the symptoms of bipolar disorder, they may not completely eliminate them. The person may not feel that something is wrong, but family and friends may recognize changes in mood or activity levels as a possible bipolar disorder. An experienced Philadelphia disability benefit lawyer can work with people with bipolar disorder to analyze their individual situation and craft a strong application.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression. A person seeking SSDI benefits for bipolar disorder should be prepared to provide evidence of their diagnosis, treatment history, and how their bipolar disorder affects their ability to function in daily life. With bipolar I, manic episodes are complete and last at least one week, with depressive episodes lasting two weeks. It is your responsibility to show SSA that you would be disabled because of your bipolar depressive disorder, regardless of your drug or alcohol use.
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from severe mania to depression. This is because symptoms (episodes) usually come and go in waves, and there are times when people with bipolar disorder don't have any symptoms. To be diagnosed with Bipolar I, manic symptoms must last at least a week and occur most of the day every day or result in hospitalization. You'll need to provide evidence that your depression or bipolar disorder is so severe that you can't work or function well.
The health care provider can then perform a mental health evaluation or provide a referral to a trained mental health care provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker who has experience diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. For example, if your husband has bipolar disorder, you are protected if he needs emergency hospitalization and must leave work without warning because of this.
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