does social security recognize mental illness(bipolar disorder) as a reason for receiving benefits?

Answer 1

Yes, if it's severe and prevents you from working, you can.

You will also need to provide the following documents to apply;
* your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number;
* your birth certificate or other proof of your age. If you do not have a birth certificate, you may request one from the State where you were born. See Where to Write for Vital Records for details on where to write in your State.
* information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord's name;
* payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records, and other information about your income and the things you own;
* if you're signing up for disability, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have seen you; and
* proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status.
Source(s):

http://www.ssa.gov/d&s1.htm

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Short answer: Often, yes.

Long answer:

Social Security Administration will evaluate you 2 ways, financially and medically. Based on your finances and work history, SSA will determine whether you're eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or some of both.

If you have a very low (below $860/mo.) or no income and you don't own resources beyond $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple), you may be financially eligible for SSI. This usually comes with Medicaid. Some resources don't count such as 1 vehicle, the house you live in, equipment necessary for you to work, etc. If you are married, SSA will also consider your spouse's income and resources.

If you have enough of a work history in which you paid into the Social Security fund (FICA on your paycheck), you may be eligible for SSDI which comes with Medicare after 24 months. SSDI isn't effected by resources or a spouse's income and resources.

Medically, you will have to prove that, due to your disability, you are unable to earn income for 12 months or more above the "substantial gainful activity" level which was set at $860/month for 2006. It will be easier to prove this if you have up-to-date medical records. If you have worked for short periods of time but haven't been able to continue because of your disability, you may still be eligible. SSA calls this an Unsuccessful Work Attempt.

Here is a link about the application process: http://www.ssa.gov/d&s1.htm

To get information on how to apply for benefits, go to: http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability

Many people are denied on their initial application because they did not provide enough medical information. In this case, I recommend making an appeal. Here is a national list of independent living centers. A benefits advocate can be helpful in either representing you or referring you to a qualified attorney. http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html

Also, here's a great group of people who've been through the process personally. Many have mental health disabilities: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ssadisability/messages?o=1

Good luck!

Answer 4

Yes. There are forms you can obtain from your local Social Security office to file for disability benefits. Also, some lawyers specialize in this type of case, and can help you through the process for a fee. In my opinion it is worth it. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 5

I'm 22 yearsold and I'm bipolar I receive SSI I get it once a month you can get disability with any mental illness even physical problems can get you disability talk to your therapist about it I talked to my therapist and got a lawyer I went to a hearing they wanted more evidence after court I had a mental evaluation and 3 months later I received my SSI benefits good luck I'm sure you'll get it!!

Answer 6

Sometimes it depends on to what degree you have it. They did me. They take you before a board of different kinds of professionals in mental health and ask you alot of questions, it all depends on the answers you give, But there is a catch, if you have a spouse with an acceptable income or if you can hold down a job you won't qualify, Hope this helps.

Answer 7

The answer is yes. I have been on SSD for 15 years now for being Bipolar and mine went through the very first time that i applied. Apply at your local office for disibility SSI or SSD it may take a while for you to get an answer but yes you can receive it.

Answer 8

Yes, they do. They are getting more understanding about mental illnesses now. If you don't get any results from this, call Binder and Binder at 1-800-66-BINDER. They can and will help. As a matter of fact, you may want to call them first, so that they can give you some advice.

Answer 9

Social security recognizes any mental disorder that leaves you totally and permanently disabled.

Answer 10

In some cases, depending on the severity of the symptoms and weather or not medication controls the symptoms. You can apply for social security disability on line at www.socialsecurity.gov You would need to have all psychiatric and medical reports, history, and medications available for reference. Best of luck to you