Anyone able to get disability for bipolar or any other mental illness?

[dontknowwheretoturn]

I'd like to hear the process — what I should submit supplementally and any tips that might help grant me approval. I can't work right now and I'm scared for what's going to happen if I don't receive some sort of help eventually… I'm aware the process takes months.

 

[Lullaby]

I was able to, but it's incredibly hard. I've been in treatment since I was 12. I have a record of hospitalizations, PTSD, long term depression and anxiety, failed jobs and they still denied me.

I had to appeal and meet with a judge. They only approved me because I had been open with a previous therapist about my suicidal ideation and how severe it is. I think the whole process took almost two years? I was approved in early 2020 and I'm already up for review, which I'm sure I'll lose, despite my symptoms getting worse.

I would really advise you to get an attorney as they can help make this a little bit more bearable and they'll tell you everything you need to do. If you can't afford one, then legal aid lawyers will help as well.

It'll help if you have lots of medical records and documentation backing up what you're dealing with. If you don't have a therapist or psychiatrist, then your primary doctor can help in this regard.

They're a bunch of bastards. It'll be hard a process and they'll want you to give up, lots of people do, but if you get denied for whatever reason, you have to keep fighting them.

 

[WorthlessTrash]

Yeah, I am. Not going to say what for though.

I don't work or go to school, and I am not intending to have a future for myself so why not?

 

[Ligottian]

I've been on Federal SSDI for twenty years. Paid a lawyer $2000. He was worth every penny.

 

[TheCrowCalls]

I'm looking into this aswell, not sure my history is long enough. How does anyone live off of SSDI ? I'm in Canada and rents out here are higher than the monthly disability payment…. Idk

 

[Slimetae]

I need some shitttt i can't even bring myself to work bc my mental is shit

 

[downndone2]

I looked into it. Definitely get a lawyer and know it is hard to get and not enough money for most to get by on. It is easier if you have combo of med/psych issues. But you pretty much have to prove you and UNABLE to work in ANY capacity.

 

[Sleeper System]

I've been on Federal SSDI for twenty years. Paid a lawyer $2000. He was worth every penny.

Did you ever work during the time you were receiving it?
This makes me think that I should get diagnosed now at 30 so I don't have to struggle too much later on if I need help. As far as documentation goes I've been fine until now but have secretly been suffering since at least 14.

 

[Klo]

I'd like to hear the process — what I should submit supplementally and any tips that might help grant me approval. I can't work right now and I'm scared for what's going to happen if I don't receive some sort of help eventually… I'm aware the process takes months.

I used to have it but stupidly let it lapse. I dont really remember the process because a social worker helped me. I do know if you spend some time inpatient at a mental hospital or better yet get committed that will help your chances.

 

[Brianiskillingme]

My advice for everyone is get a lawyer. Usually the first try is denied, then people get a lawyer and win. Get a pro bono lawyer first if you can.

 

[LeavingEarly]

What's the difference between SSI and SSDI? Which one do I apply for?

 

[NearlyIrrelevantCake]

I'm in Canada and am on disability for a mix of mental illnesses [bipolar II, PTSD, OCD] and being a cripple. It took me applying, appealing, and re-applying for 7-8 years to get approved.

 

[KuriGohan&Kamehameha]

You should contact a legal advice service which specialises in benefits claims, they will know how to maximise your chance of securing funding. Some law organisations stipulate that they won't charge substantial fees unless you win the case, which could be a good thing if money is tight and you can't afford to gamble with multiple dicey court hearings.

 

[texas_yellow_rose]

I applied online and was approved 5 months later. It's not always hard, but I feel fucked up because it was so easy.

 

[Ligottian]

Did you ever work during the time you were receiving it?
This makes me think that I should get diagnosed now at 30 so I don't have to struggle too much later on if I need help. As far as documentation goes I've been fine until now but have secretly been suffering since at least 14.

I had about six months sick leave accumulated, and I drew that from the time I applied to the time I was approved. I've never worked since my approval.

 

[wljourney]

The more documentation you have, the better.

The clearer and more openly you describe your situation (and suffering) with your healthcare provider, the easier it is for them to complete the forms accurately.

It depends also on which country you are in, but the general rules apply universally:

- speak to your doctor
- get on a waitlist for a social worker to support you
- it is helpful if you can prove that you tried to return to work multiple times and it always failed
- you need to show that you have tried a multitude of treatments unsuccessfully and without improvement
- getting help from a lawyer specialized in disability claims is definitely helpful

I didn't have a lawyer, my doctor submitted my application for me (I filled out a few pages, brought them to her and then she sent off the package), it was approved without issues, just took some time (18 months).

 

[Sleeper System]

The more documentation you have, the better.

The clearer and more openly you describe your situation (and suffering) with your healthcare provider, the easier it is for them to complete the forms accurately.

It depends also on which country you are in, but the general rules apply universally:

- speak to your doctor
- get on a waitlist for a social worker to support you
- it is helpful if you can prove that you tried to return to work multiple times and it always failed
- you need to show that you have tried a multitude of treatments unsuccessfully and without improvement
- getting help from a lawyer specialized in disability claims is definitely helpful

I didn't have a lawyer, my doctor submitted my application for me (I filled out a few pages, brought them to her and then she sent off the package), it was approved without issues, just took some time (18 months).

Thank you for the advice. How long was your history of medical issues when you applied?

 

[freedompass]

I'm in the UK and have been on disability benefits for nearly 3 decades. I suppose it 'helps' that the bipolar is severe and features psychosis. I doubt I could hold a job. By now I no longer expect to work ever again since even on meds I'm not reliably stable. We generally don't have to hire lawyers to get benefits here. I had to make a new claim in December and it took four months to get paid. I won't let that happen again. A few years ago the disability benefit system changed, all the forms and rules are different, you have to keep applying every 2-3 years and so on. It was all about saving money and picking up the reactionary public's votes for clamping down on 'benefits scroungers' and fraudsters. The knock on effects for some of the most vulnerable people in society were predictable.

Sorry for veering off topic yet again lol.

 

[wljourney]

Thank you for the advice. How long was your history of medical issues when you applied?

Overall history a good 10 years, but severe illness (with extended periods of being unable to work) of about 2-3 years.

I was in the lucky position of having private disability insurance, so didn't have to apply sooner.

Others may need to apply with less of a history (and therefore less documentation) if they have no other financial resources.
Which in turn makes it more difficult to be approved and more likely for the claim to be denied.
An inherently unfair and unjust system.

 

[Sleeper System]

Overall history a good 10 years, but severe illness (with extended periods of being unable to work) of about 2-3 years.

I was in the lucky position of having private disability insurance, so didn't have to apply sooner.

Others may need to apply with less of a history (and therefore less documentation) if they have no other financial resources.
Which in turn makes it more difficult to be approved and more likely for the claim to be denied.
An inherently unfair and unjust system.

Crap. Looks like I have no hope then. Even though I suffer greatly with my mental health, I have to work to survive. So having gaps in work history ain't an option. Only thing I can do is get diagnosed and try to medicate.

 

[wljourney]

Crap. Looks like I have no hope then. Even though I suffer greatly with my mental health, I have to work to survive. So having gaps in work history ain't an option. Only thing I can do is get diagnosed and try to medicate.

Well, yes. A diagnosis is the most important first step. Then trying different treatment options.
Disability benefits are for people who are unable to work, so by definition you would have to be … uhm… not able to work (as in sick leave).

 

[Hollowillow]

I'd like to hear the process — what I should submit supplementally and any tips that might help grant me approval. I can't work right now and I'm scared for what's going to happen if I don't receive some sort of help eventually… I'm aware the process takes months.

It was temporary for a long time then I asked snd had to fill a form... Twice. A social worker had to help otherwise I write all over

I was able to, but it's incredibly hard. I've been in treatment since I was 12. I have a record of hospitalizations, PTSD, long term depression and anxiety, failed jobs and they still denied me.

I had to appeal and meet with a judge. They only approved me because I had been open with a previous therapist about my suicidal ideation and how severe it is. I think the whole process took almost two years? I was approved in early 2020 and I'm already up for review, which I'm sure I'll lose, despite my symptoms getting worse.

I would really advise you to get an attorney as they can help make this a little bit more bearable and they'll tell you everything you need to do. If you can't afford one, then legal aid lawyers will help as well.

It'll help if you have lots of medical records and documentation backing up what you're dealing with. If you don't have a therapist or psychiatrist, then your primary doctor can help in this regard.

They're a bunch of bastards. It'll be hard a process and they'll want you to give up, lots of people do, but if you get denied for whatever reason, you have to keep fighting them.

They said that insisting (to get my needs to survive) is proof of a personality disorder... Urg!

I was able to, but it's incredibly hard. I've been in treatment since I was 12. I have a record of hospitalizations, PTSD, long term depression and anxiety, failed jobs and they still denied me.

I had to appeal and meet with a judge. They only approved me because I had been open with a previous therapist about my suicidal ideation and how severe it is. I think the whole process took almost two years? I was approved in early 2020 and I'm already up for review, which I'm sure I'll lose, despite my symptoms getting worse.

I would really advise you to get an attorney as they can help make this a little bit more bearable and they'll tell you everything you need to do. If you can't afford one, then legal aid lawyers will help as well.

It'll help if you have lots of medical records and documentation backing up what you're dealing with. If you don't have a therapist or psychiatrist, then your primary doctor can help in this regard.

They're a bunch of bastards. It'll be hard a process and they'll want you to give up, lots of people do, but if you get denied for whatever reason, you have to keep fighting them.

They said that insisting (to get my needs to survive) is proof of a personality disorder... Urg!