[lhgegg]

I was wondering if anyone has tried to get their social security disability for being bipolar. If you have can you tell me how you won your case.

Take CAre
Leslie

[Shyguy88]

I'm currently trying to get on social security disability, its definetly a long process to get a response, I hear the best chance is to get a lawyer to increase the chance on getting on it, I got a lawyer and waiting for a response for a hearing...I feel pretty confident on getting it because of all the paperwork from my therapist and psychiatrist, along with the paperwork from when I was in the psychiatrict hospital earlier this year from attempting suicide, and have the pictures of my arms of all the self inflicted injuries that I have done to myself, and my psychiatrist also mentioned in the paperwork that right now im in no condition to work and need to get stabalized first by getting on the right medications, so right now im just waiting for my response.

[tracy33]

Yes, I'm on disability for bipolar. It took me over 2 years to get it. I was denied a few times. I had a lawyer from the very beginning. I was also hospitalized and had been seeing a pdoc on a very regular basis (2-3 times per month) for those few years. I won by focusing on the depression side of it and the anxiety it causes me to leave the house. We focused on how hard it is to take care of myself and my family.

[justpassingby]

I applied for SSD last September and was denied twice, now according to SSD my lawyer asked for an appeals hearing date which could mean it could take another year or more before it is heard before the judge. My lawyer says perhaps in March 2008, but after talking with SSD toll free number, they say it could be another year after that. What a bummer. Right now I have Cobra health insurance to cover my medical and meds, but I need to find out how much longer I can keep this insurance before they no longer cover me. I don't think any private insurance company will cover anyone with mental health issues or existing medical problems like asthma or high blood pressure. Does anyone have any experience dealing with Cobra insurance from your prior employment?

[Bitterbee]

wow, this is distressing, I too not being stabilized on medications and unable to function at a job applied for Social Security.
But from what I hear it would take a long time to get even if I do. A very long time, like maybe years... and I don't have time. I have to pay to live like most people do.

Can you apply and still get a job even though you will eventually lose that job from problems with normal functioning? ??

I don't even know how to get a job now I have messed up so bad. I can't blame employers. I guess I would not hire me either. My application just looks bad. I look unstable. Cause I AM! SO I end up homeless or dead?

A shame they don't let your doctor make the judgement call. If you have a lifetime of mood problems and your doctor can't make you stable then how can you work?

I would LOVE to be like other people and work continually. I would LOVE to be normal and not affected by these moods. Hell definitely not lazy.

This sucks but thanks for the info. Though some of you got it, I guess only way is to have someone supporting you 100%? And then hang in there.

Karen

[HIDDA]

I know how you feel as far as the work thing goes. I have had a hard time keeping jobs recently. I'm in somewhat of a stressful occupation and am currently contemplating a career change. I have been thinking about this for about a year now, so I'd like to think this isn't a rash decision. Just know you're not the only one having issues in the workplace. My home life is fantastic, for some reason the stress(or grief) I get at work just sets me off. I'm lookingg for a more stable work environment. I'll be pulling for you.

[Yoda]

The hospital where I was on leave hired attorneys to represent me because if I got disability pay they would not have to pay me as much while I was on long term disability from work. The attorneys did pretty much everything and I was approved about six months after I applied.

I read that only 5% of people who are disabled for two years ever return to work. I have been disabled seven years now but my mind is clearer and I haven't given up being able to teach or write journal articles or something productive despite my continued difficulties and my dysfunction.

[dkbear]

I am a new member here and newly diagnosed with bipolar. I am contemplating applying for Social Security Disability.

I work at home as a medical transcriptionist, so I have no human contact, and I can't even handle that. I got upset and took an email the wrong way (I guess?) and emailed the Human Resources Director and said I didn't appreciate rude emails. (I am unstable right now, going through bouts of mania and depression.) I am beginning to question my judgement and wondering if I am competent to even hold down a job. I am terrified I am going to get fired today and have a lot of anxiety right now.

I was planning to get a lawyer, but I don't know how "bad" they consider you to have to be. I have had trouble in almost every job I have had with my boss. I almost got into a fight with my last boss. I had a screaming match with her and she sent me home and put me on suspension.

My therapist says she is unsure I can work outside the home because of my past problems. Inside the home, I get upset and either get mad or shutdown and just either cry or sit there and stare at the wall for a while. What do the Social Security people expect? I really feel like I can't work anymore and need to spend time getting my meds straight and spending time on myself.

Sorry this is so long, but this is my first post, and I am so glad to meet other people like myself!!!

[Anneinside]

I am on COBRA also. The information I have is that if you are deemed to be disabled (usually by your doctor) then you are eligible for your insurance until you are covered by Medicare. I just received information from my insurance company that stated this information.

Also, I have been told that if you get your new insurance before getting off your old policy then they have to accept you and cover your pre-existing problems although they may have a time lag such as 1 month or so that they don't cover the pre-existing medical condition.

[Anneinside]

I applied for and was given SSD after 5 months, the minimum time you have to wait for SSD. I too had to quit teaching. I was a professor and could no longer teach. It is interesting that returning to work after an extended leave is often not viable. In January, I will have been off work for two years. Before that I worked one semester half time, following a two semester leave. Thank God for long term disability insurance!

[justpassingby]

Anneinside,

Thanks for the info on Cobra. I have Cobra but it expires in March 08. I don't know what I am going to do for health insurance as my Social Security Disability Insurance denied me twice and now I have to wait for the appeals court hearing which takes a long time in Florida. I'm not sure I understand you when you said the insurance has to keep you insured if your doctor deems you disabled. which doctor is that your pdoc or your medical doctor?

I'm also curious to know about what to do in the mean time if my insurance doesn't lapse but I can't find or get insurance from somewhere else. Right now it's pretty high about $400 per month just for cobra. Who would lnsure me with all my meds, hospitalizations and preexisting conditions such as asthma and high blood pressure? I really need some answers fast as this is worrying me alot.