can you get social security benifits if you have bipolar or depression??
336999
Yes...if you are wanting to know about disability benefits.  If your Psych doctor qualifies you as not being able to work and you hire a lawyer to work your way through the S.S. disability system you could qualify for disability or S.I.  It is covered under the Americans with Disabities Act.  I know I am receiving beneifts for this reason.\n\nIf you are  bi-polar then you  understand why you would be able to collect disablity or SSI
373549
Just tell them about how you feel. Tell them if anyone else in the family has depression or bipolar disorder because sometimes it runs in the family. It is important to tell your doctor though, because they can help you. My son and I both have depression, and my ex has bi-polar. We take medication and it helps a whole lot. It wasn't hard to talk to my doctor at all.
430101
I suffer from manic depression/bipolar. It took a while to be properly diagnosed but basically it was chronic depression, irritability, mood swings, rocky relationships, irresponsible actions/activities and paranoia. You won't qualify for bipolar until you've had a manic episode though and you'll know when that happens because everything will be unusually fantastic and your thinking will be unfocused with racing thoughts. These are just a few of the symptoms that I experienced but apart from the depression and manic episodes, everyone's symptoms can vary. Don't try and self diagnose though. Have an open communication with your doctor about it because it's very tricky to diagnose properly.\nHope that helps a little bit.
1131805
I think it depends on what you are receiving it for. For instance my sister gets SSI for a disability...to supplement. I think it is a either/or for her. You need to check with your provider for the details. Be sure on this question. Not to say that you may not find it on Yahoo Answers...but I would call and talk to them my self if I were you.  Since you are only 15...you will have to have you parent or guardian do it for you.
425373
Sounds like you are in a pretty tough spot. Sorry.\n\nI don't know what state you live in, but it may have State Disability Insurance. Even if you don't qualify for S.S.I. you may qualify for Social Security Disability (S.S.D.) or if that doesn't pan out.\n\nThere is probably a good chance your state has Disability Insurance, and you need to apply for that A.S.A.P.\n\nYou need to contact both agencies.  Social Security and your State Disability agency.  Try to find someone who has been thru the system.  Because a lot of times, the good people who work at these places don't tell you a lot of stuff that might help you get on disability insurance.\n\nI'd also do a Google search on the topic, it might include information that would be useful.\n\n               Good Luck!
417260
Sure, why not?  If you cannot perform work, then you certainly need it.  Some people abuse ssi, it seems you actually need it.
273407
One of my clients gets a check from social security for being mentally disturbed. I joked w/her: "you can get a check for being crazy?? And here I've been doing it all this time for FREE!!" So nope...crazy and proud of it :)
621498
You know that the Social Security Administration itself does not determine eligibility...the state does. You would definitely want to pick up the phone and call the SSA before you take any yahoo answers advice.
219181
Probably with a medical discharge.  I am not sure there would be any benefits since military service did not cause the disorder, unless the person is at a point that they can retire.  The first seargeant is the person who should be able to find the answer.
487198
Go on the social security website and you will get some of your answers.
826300
My job is to help people to apply for SSI and SSD. I have seen some people get approved with in a month (rare) to a few years.  It all depends on your situation. I work with people that are chronically and persistently mentally ill, so their situation is different from yours.  A few things I have picked up along the way should help anyone that is applying though.  Go to visit the listings for the disability you are going to apply under.  Here is the link for the listings\n\nhttp://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm\n\nFind the part(s) that pertain to you, print them up and make copies for all of your doctors, or anyone that is going to be giving information about you to the SSA.  The SSA uses those listings to decide if someone is disabled or not, so the more documentation the SSA gets that directly relates to their listings the better chance you have to get approved right away.  \n\nUse those listings when you are filling out the disability report.  The SSA will verify everything you put down so be honest, but just point out how your situation fits in to their listings.\n\nIf you get denied, appeal.  This is where the several year wait comes in. Many people get denied the first time, so don't let a denial stop you.  If you are denied and you appeal it, and you win that appeal, you get back payments.\n\nSSI also has income and resource limits.  So even if you are disabled or over the age of 65 you can not get SSI if you have more than 2K in resources (bank accounts, cash, life insurance..etc), or you are above the income limit for your living arrangement. SSI is different from state to state, so the income levels are different. The resource level is the same across the states though. If you own a house, and live in that house, it does not count towards your 2K limit. One car is also exempt from your resource limit. SSD has NO resource guide lines, but if you EARN a certain level of wages it will affect your SSD.  \n\nCopy everything you hand in to the SSA, and if you have questions DO NOT RELY ON THE INFORMATION YOU ARE GIVEN AT THE SSA 1-800 (1-800-772-1213) PHONE NUMBER.  The best way to use the 1-800 phone number is to call it to make an appointment to talk to someone in your local Social Security office. \n\nGood Luck!!
71561
If you have dramatic mood changes, like either extremely up or down, like going from crying to extremely angry, to happy and or have trouble sleeping because you are to wound up or have thoughts that race constantly you should see your doctor. The most common drug used if neccesary is Lithium and will help to balance your moods. You should get at least 20 min a day of direct sun light every day too,it helps increase the amount of seretonin your brain produces. It doesnt mean your a psyco weirdo if your diagnosed as bi-polar you just have to learn to manage it.
1088651
Yes, but your individual workers must know about the arrangement. They will give you your money appropriately. Just as you can work while on SSI also. There is a limit so you should ask your worker about it too. Hope this helps.
386184
I'm not a mental health provider but I've had bipolar disordar for 15 years. There's help out there. Medicines, therapist. Get to a phone book, now! Look up mental health providers and call!  I hope you get a chance to re-read this answer, I've been thinking about you all night. Last week I felt "weird" and ended up talking to a caseworker at my insurance company for thirty minutes until my husband could get home from work. He stayed home for a week to keep me out of the psychiatric ward.  Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. e-mail me at mybilbrey@yahoo.com if you need to.  I've been on Social Security for 15 years because I get confused and can't work.  I understand! CJB
66685
Absolutely! Oftentimes a bipolar individual will be aware of the change between manic/depressed phases ... but during the "healthy" phase, he-or-she doesn't feel the need to do anything about it, and during the depressed phase, the person is too depressed to get help. If you recognize that pattern happening in your life, make an appointment with a PhD or a counselor. Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to getting balance in your life!\n\nBe aware, though, that regular mood shifts are normal in most people, especially as the seasons turn or holidays pass. Most people can be treated without medication by adjusting things in their home and work environment (i.e. better lighting, adjusting diet or exercise routines, etc.).
947407
I disagree, with the response there already.  Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.  Not always the issues in your life (with some exceptions)   It is hereditary, which proves it is in your physiology!   My sister has depression, has gone through many hospitalizations.  She finally qualified for social security, she is disabled and unable to work.   That release of the stress of worrying about work and money has helped her tremendously. It was a cycle of stressing about money and getting sicker.  She is so much better now.  And can still work, because there are ways to work when you can and still qualify.   Medication is an issue even if you don't want to discuss it.   You will probably have to go through a lot of them before finding the one that works for you.   And not worrying about work helps you through that process.   AND you will be denied probably at least two times before being accepted.  It just works that way.   I am a family advocate for children with mental health needs so I do know my way around the mental health system.  Good luck!
650410
Honestly, I don't know for sure. The site I am showing below is the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). You can start there and see what you can find. I am bipolar myself and try to help others with mental disorders where I can. Good luck, I hope you have lots of success in your efforts.