Bipolar Disability Benefits in Minnesota

People who suffer from Bipolar Disorder may qualify for Minnesota Social Security Disability benefits. These individuals' Bipolar Disorder must be expected to last at least one year and render them unable to complete any substantial gainful activity for a full year in order to qualify. Some disability programs give money to people with a partial disability or for short-term disability; however, Social Security does not.

People who suffer from Bipolar Disorder may qualify for Minnesota Social Security Disability benefits. These individuals' Bipolar Disorder must be expected to last at least one year and render them unable to complete any substantial gainful activity for a full year in order to qualify. Some disability programs give money to people with a partial disability or for short-term disability; however, Social Security does not.

According to Social Security, there are 4.7 million people who receive disability benefits, and about one out of ever nine (500,000 people) has a primary diagnosis of an affective disorder such as Bipolar Disorder. Affective disorders, like Bipolar Disorder, are the fastest growing category of people who receive Social Security Disability benefits. This is consistent with the recognition by the medical profession of affective disorders in our society.

What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that is very serious in nature. It is characterized by extreme mood changes, from depression to mania.

How should people with Bipolar Disorder maximize their chances of being approved for Social Security Disability benefits?

People who have Bipolar Disorder will not automatically qualify for disability benefits. Because of this, they must prove that their Bipolar Disorder renders them unable to engage in any substantial gainful employment for at least one year.

When applying for MN Social Security Disability benefits, you should emphasize your functional limitations. This means that you should describe how your Bipolar Disorder limits your everyday activities. Disability examiners, when determining whether you are disabled under Social Security's strict rules, look to see how you are able to communicate with others, follow through with tasks, concentrate, and other things that a person needs to do basic work.

In addition to properly describing your limitations, you should obtain proper medical treatment so that Social Security can obtain the medical documentation it needs to determine whether you qualify for disability benefits. When applying for disability benefits, you must inform Social Security of the doctors you have treated with for your Bipolar Disorder, including the name of each doctor you have treated with, the name of the doctor office or clinic where you have treated, the dates you have treated including first date, most recent date, and next scheduled appointment, the conditions for which you have received treatment from this doctor, and the treatment this doctor gave you.

You must also state this information regarding any hospitals you have been to for your Bipolar Disorder. Further, you must state the medications you are taking for your Bipolar Disorder. All of this information combined will assist a disability examiner in determining whether you are disabled under Social Security's rules.

John Davidson is author of this article on MN SSI disability .
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