Actually, you don't get disability just because you have a disorder. You have to make a good case that the disorder makes it impossible for you to successfully hold down a job. Like Christina says, many people with just bipolar disorder are getting SSDI. However, there are bipolar people who hold down good paying jobs. Some very successful top entertainers have had careers despite living with bipolar disorder.

So the Social Security Administration will never assume that you can't work because you have bipolar disorder. Some people with it can work. Some people with it can't. If you're in the second group, you have to offer convincing evidence. You might be able to show that you lost job after job due to being fired for out of control behavior. That's the sort of thing they are looking for.

A lawyer can make a very good guess as to whether you might be approved. The lawyer will want to know if you have a doctor treating your condition. You will have to show that you were unable to work, even though you were getting appropriate treatment.

Start calling law firms that specialize in helping people get disability. It won't cost you a dime. They'll be happy to review your situation. Call several. It puts you under no obligation, until you decide to file a claim.